The Bears Need to Feature Khalil Herbert More
September 24, 2024, 11:10 AM CDT
So far this season, the Bears have had zero run game. Our big offseason signing D’Andre Swift has 37 carries for 68 yards and no touchdowns. That’s 1.8 yards per carry. 1.8. That’s genuinely awful for a guy who is getting paid $8 million a year. I get he was supposed to be our 3rd down running back, but we’re paying him way too much for the production he’s put up. He’s only caught 6 passes for 46 yards in those three games, with his ability in the pass game originally touted as his best ability. He clearly isn’t the answer to get the run game going, especially with a poor O-Line. The Bears offense has struggled because of that, with Caleb Williams having to throw the ball 52 times on Sunday due to no help from Swift. Things need to change, and it’s time for Shane Waldron to make someone else the feature back.
Khalil Herbert Has Experience
Roschon Johnson was more involved in the game plan on Sunday, with 8 carries for 30 yards and making an impact in the receiving game with 4 catches for 32 yards. He’s got the making of a RB1, but he doesn’t have much experience in the role yet and is still pretty raw. Instead, I propose making Khalil Herbert the feature back. He’s got experience in the role, serving as the RB1 last year and having stints with that role in 2021 and 2022 when David Montgomery was hurt. In 2022, he picked up 731 yards on 129 carries in 13 games, and in 12 games last year, he ran the ball 132 times for 611 yards. Yet in the three games he’s played this year, he’s only ran the ball 8 times for 16 yards and a touchdown. Herbert is a good running back, has proven he can do it with poor offensive lines in 2022 and 2023, and is more suited for the main role than Swift. Shane Waldron needs to get it together and let him be the main guy, otherwise the offense will continue to struggle. Let Herbert be the guy for this year, and then transition into Roschon as the main guy next season. Keep Swift in a third down back role, as that’s where he’s had success in the past.
Image Credit: Chicago Bears
In-Depth Thoughts on the Bears Win vs the Titans
September 12, 2024, 2:30 PM CDT
Now that the game has had time to settle, it’s time to go more in-depth and dive into the game film to see what the Bears did well, what they didn’t do well, and what they can fix for next week. It’s going to be a tough test against Houston, but hopefully they can improve off their Week 1 win and start 2-0 for the first time since 2020. Let’s get into it.
1. The Offense Looked Like They Were Facing a Real Defense For the First Time…Because They Were
There are a lot of new pieces to the Bears offense this year, not just Caleb Williams. And going back through the film, it is very evident that the team will need to continue to gel. The defense returned a lot of players from last year, which you could tell based on their dominant performance. However, the offense played pretty sloppy and will need to clean up their mistakes and develop better chemistry over the next few weeks. It’s only the first game, and a few different plays could’ve changed the entire way we viewed this performance.
2. Jaylon Johnson is the Best Corner in Football and a Top 10 Overall Defender
I’m tired of Jaylon Johnson being disrespected throughout the league. The fact that he was not a Top 100 player but DaRon Bland was is a crime. Jaylon is on a revenge tour, and he showed it by absolutely dominating the Titans. He allowed negative yards, yes, NEGATIVE YARDS in the game, had a game-sealing interception, and allowed a passer rating of an insane 2.8 when targeted. His PFF Grade was 92.3, the highest of any corner in Week 1.
3. Nate Davis Looked Better
The Interior O-Line had a very bad game against Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, especially Coleman Shelton and Teven Jenkins. While he was replaced by Ryan Bates during the game, Nate Davis was not actually that bad. He was the 5th highest graded Bear via PFF, and even though it was a small sample size, it looked encouraging and better than last year. The hope is that he can continue to get back to form and put last year behind him.
4. The D-Line is Going To Be Elite
I mean, what an incredible game from the Defensive Line. The Titans had set a lot of their focus on Montez Sweat, who didn’t get a sack and even left the game for half a series with a brief injury. Even though he wasn’t super impactful, Darrell Taylor was as he sacked Will Levis twice, including forcing a fumble on the second sack. Gervon Dexter was able to get to the QB as well as he has been a major breakout candidate for this year. Andrew Billings dominated, he was my MVP of this game. He consistently brought interior pressure in both pass and run defense, helping lead the charge on defense in the second half. The Bears finally have an elite D-Line again, something they’ve been lacking since 2021 when they had Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn.
5. Tory Taylor is a Special Punter
Tory Taylor is generational. It’s weird to say that about a punter, but still. It is very rare that a punter can hit the ball from his own 15-yard line to the other team’s 15-yard line. His ability to flip field position will be huge in games the offense isn’t clicking well. Honestly, we probably wouldn't have won this game if he wasn’t our punter.
6. Caleb Williams Didn’t Win Us The Game, But He Didn’t Lose Us The Game Either
Yeah, Caleb Williams didn’t play well in his first taste of real NFL action. But, he didn’t really make any costly mistakes. He did have a bad sack that brought us out of field goal range, and got away with a few bad throws, but he didn’t turn the ball over. Turnovers were a huge reason why Justin Fields didn’t work out, as far too many times he seemed to turn the ball over in late game and crucial situations where the Bears needed points. So while Caleb needs to play better and win us games, not losing us the game is a good sign to start his career.
7. The Bears Could Seriously Challenge Houston and Possibly Pull Off The Upset
Granted, this is a lot easier said than done as Houston has a really good squad. But, this could be a trap game for the Texans. The Bears defense is really good, they have some of the best corners and linebackers in the league, as well as an elite edge rusher. If they can limit Stroud and his elite weapons, and get going on offense against a defense that should be weaker than Tennessee’s, they could surprise a lot of people on Sunday Night and start 2-0 for the first time since 2020, as well as win their first Sunday Night game since 2018 and the first on the road since 2014.
Image Credit: Bears Wire - USA Today
Five Sneaky Candidates to Make the Bears 53-Man Roster
August 21, 2024, 8:35 AM CDT
Since the game against the Chiefs is already coming up tomorrow, I decided to change things up this week and give some underrated candidates that could wind up making the final 53 instead of just a projected depth chart. This way I can further explain why these guys could make it, even if I would've left them off my projected depth chart. I'll be back with the normal schedule with a final 53-Man projection after the Chiefs game. For now, lets take a look at a few guys who could find their way on the roster after final cuts.
1. DE Daniel Hardy
Hardy is a name that I really didn't know much about coming into this year. A seventh round pick out of Montana State in 2022 by the Rams, Hardy really didn't get a lot of playing time in LA due to going on injured reserve and missing most of his rookie season. He got into six games after activation off IR, tallying four assisting tackles. He was waived after preseason last year, and wound up joining the Bears practice squad in 2023. He never got promoted for a game, but has gotten time to play in the preseason. He's doing just about everything he can to make the roster, tallying 3.5 sacks and seven tackles so far. There is plenty of depth at edge right now, but Hardy could be fighting to make his way onto the team as the fifth edge rusher (if the Bears even keep five edge rushers).
2. TE Brenden Bates
Bates has gone under the radar as one of our best performers in the preseason. Around the league, he ranks first in preseason in Tight End receiving yards (86), PFF Grade (89.9), and Receiving Grade (90.0) as well as being Top 5 in YAC (39). He also has posted a 68.8 Run Block Grade and a 75.5 Pass Block Grade, which ranks T-19th and T-16th respectively. The UDFA out of Kentucky could make the roster as a TE4, if the Bears decide he could be valuable enough on special teams to keep him around. I think he could seal a spot with another good showing against Kansas City, both on offense and special teams.
3. DT Byron Cowart
If they don't get a ton of sacks or flashy plays, Defensive Tackles can typically fly under the radar. That's been the case with Cowart so far this preseason, as he's only racked up four total tackles. Though he has a sack and a force fumble, he's a name I haven't seen much of when discussing 53-Man roster candidates. But given the fact that the Bears lack depth at DT, I think there's a great chance he makes the initial roster. Whether he survives waiver claims, that's not a given. But the former Patriots and Colts DT has given himself a case to make the final roster, as he's graded out pretty well so far this preseason.
4. RB Ian Wheeler
Ian Wheeler made a big impression in the game against Buffalo, and while he didn't replicate that performance against Cincy, he still could show out against the Chiefs tomorrow and get a roster spot. He's a guy worth keeping around, even if he doesn't make the 53, as he's shown some great speed and agility both in the game and practice (as we saw on Hard Knocks episode 2 last week). At the very least, keeping him around on the practice squad gives you a top option for a roster spot when Khalil Herbert leaves, and even is a guy that could be seen this year given how often running backs get hurt.
5. DE Josh Blackwell
Blackwell has been part of the Bears organization since 2022, though he entered camp this year looking to compete for a job on the final roster. He has looked very good throughout preseason and should be a top candidate to make it if he performs well against the Chiefs. He had his best showing of the year against the Bengals, and has shown his value on both defense and special teams in the past. I really only seeing the Bears keeping 5 or 6 CBs, and there's pretty much four guys already locked into spots. It's going to be a close battle between multiple guys to determine who will get the final two spots, but I think Blackwell is very much in front of the others.
Image Credit: David Banks - USA TODAY Sports
Updated 53-Man Roster Projection Following Bills Game
August 14, 2024, 12:40 PM CDT
Just like last week, it is time for another 53-Man roster projection after the preseason game. Fortunately, we now have more to go on since we don't just have three quarters of play, and we got to see more guys in action. Let's jump straight into this.
QB (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien
Same as last week, don't think there will be any change here unless Austin Reed really shows out in the next two games to earn a spot. I still think he will be on the practice squad even if he gets released as a developmental guy. Caleb impressed in his debut and will obviously start, but neither Rypien or Bagent pulled away as the solidified QB2 against Buffalo. That battle will have to continue into next week, as Williams may not play against the Bengals.
RB (5): D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, Ian Wheeler, Khari Blasingame
I decided to group Velus Jones in with the receivers, so he isn't being counted as an RB for now. Blasingame is also still around in this group despite being a Fullback. The first three are obvious roster locks, though Herbert would be the most in danger if they decided to part with one. But given how frequent RBs get injured, he needs to stick around. Ian Wheeler impressed in his action against Buffalo, and we got to see on Hard Knocks last night just how quick he is. It may come down to him and Velus for a roster spot, but I think there is potentially room for both on the roster.
WR (6): DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, Collin Johnson, Velus Jones Jr.
The top 4 guys are obvious roster locks, as I can't see any of them being off this roster on Week 1. Collin Johnson didn't repeat his performance in the Hall of Fame Game against Buffalo, but he still leads the way for a roster spot given his ability on special teams. Speaking of special teams, that is why I think Velus Jones will still get a roster spot, solely because of his use on the new kick returns. He's got to show what he can do in these next two games though, because muffing a kick against the Bills was not a good look.
TE (3): Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, Marcedes Lewis
No change here from last week, I still think the Bears will only carry three Tight Ends on the roster, especially if they keep as many Running Backs and Receivers as I project that they will.
OL (10): Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Ryan Bates, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Ja'Tyre Carter, Matt Pryor, Larry Borom, Doug Kramer
IR: Kiran Amegadjie
Kiran has begun to ramp up in practice, but for now I still see him beginning the year on IR. The only change from last week is swapping in Kramer for Carvin, as Kramer had a really impressive performance against the Bills and was our second highest graded player this week per PFF. Matt Pryor also played well at Right Guard, further cementing him as a candidate to make the 53-Man roster (he can play every O-Line position except Center). Nate Davis was also finally back in pads today at practice, so he better get working if he wants to be our Week 1 Right Guard instead of Ryan Bates.
DE (4): Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson
Bit of a change from last week as I only have the Bears keeping four defensive ends. Sweat did not play on Saturday, but his job as the premium edge rusher is not in jeopardy. DeMarcus Walker's 53-Man roster spot also is not in jeopardy given his versatility along the line and his contract. Austin Booker has showed out in his first two preseason games, and he is pushing DWalk for the starting job across from Sweat. Booker is going to go down as one of Poles' best draft moves if he keeps progressing like we think he is going to. DomRob did play well against Buffalo, and is trying to keep his spot on the roster. If he keeps performing, he will make it.
DT (4): Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, Zacch Pickens, Byron Cowart
Almost the same as last week, except I'm swapping out Dwumfour for Cowart given how well Cowart has played so far this preseason. Once again, this is a position that the Bears should be looking to upgrade via roster cuts at the end of camp. Teair Tart was just released yesterday by the Dolphins, but he's visiting the Chargers today. If that doesn't work out, I would go after him as an option for a rotational/backup job.
LB (6): T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Micah Baskerville, Noah Sewell
I've added Baskerville to this group after his impressive showing against the Bills. Though I don't always use PFF, he was given the best grade out of any Bears player this week with a 97.0, nearly perfect. It also helped that he got a pick-six that helped seal the game away in the fourth quarter. He just missed a spot on the roster last preseason, but I'm hoping he earns one this year
CB (5): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Jaylon Jones
Just a slight switch here as I have Jaylon Jones getting the final CB spot over Greg Stroman. Jones provides a lot of value on special teams as well as bringing some experience to coverage. He didn't get much action last year with an improved group, but he was decent in 2022 and should at least get a spot on this teams practice squad if he winds up getting cut. Or, some other team could pick him up for their 53-Man roster.
S (4): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
Same group as last week. Hicks, Adrian Colbert, and Quindell Johnson are battling it out for the last spot on the roster, but I'm giving the edge to Hicks for now just because of his special team ability. This could easily change by next week, though.
ST (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Patrick Scales
No explanation needed here.
Projected Practice Squad (16):
QB Austin Reed
RB Demetric Felton
WR John Jackson III
WR Dante Pettis
TE Brenden Bates
TE Tommy Sweeney
OL Jerome Carvin
OL Jake Curhan
OL Theo Benedet
DE Daniel Hardy
DE Khalid Kareem
DT Michael Dwumfour
CB Josh Blackwell
CB Reddy Steward
S Adrian Colbert
S Quindell Johnson
Caleb Williams looking downfield for a target in the game against the Bills
What I'm Watching For in Tomorrow's Game vs Buffalo
August 9, 2024, 4:38 PM CDT
Well, it's almost time. Caleb Williams, as announced yesterday, will make his first NFL start tomorrow in Buffalo as the Bears take on the Bills. Not only will he play, but we'll get to see the rest of the starters for the first time together as well as none of them played in the Hall of Fame Game. It won't just be the starters I'm focused on, but also the backups and guys fighting for roster spots as well. Here's what I'm going to be watching for in tomorrow's game.
1. Caleb Williams Makes His NFL Debut
While it isn't a full game, Caleb Williams should get one or two series against the Bills with the rest of the starters. This will be our first time seeing him in uniform playing for the Bears, an exciting moment that all of Chicago should be looking forward to. He'll get to go up against the Bills starting defense, a good test of where he is at right now. We'll also get our first taste of the Williams to Moore, Allen, Odunze, Kmet, and Everett connections, and maybe a brief cameo from Tyler Scott in that group as well. We'll also get some All-22 film on him from this game, so I'll be taking a look at that and evaluate his play on either Monday or Tuesday.
2. How Will The Starting O-Line Group Perform Together
The presumed Starting O-Line for tomorrow will be Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Ryan Bates, and Darnell Wright. Originally, we believed the preseason discussions for the O-Line would be about the competition between Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates for Starting Center. However, Nate Davis just continues to miss practices, and is now week-to-week with a soft tissue injury. There's a chance Ryan Bates can snag his starting job from him for Week 1, as if Davis can't stay healthy and Bates performs well, who really is the best option for Week 1? I would have to think it's Bates. Again though, it depends on how well this group can play together.
3. How Will the Velus Jones Running Back Experiment Go?
After two pretty poor seasons of catching the ball, Velus has been moved to running back to try and get as much value out of him as they can. He has elite speed and is a very shifty player, but getting the ball in his hands and keeping it there has been an issue as it seems he struggles trying to catch the ball and avoid defenders at the same time. So just handing him the ball may work, and both of his career touchdowns did come off the jet sweep, so maybe there's something there. I'm also excited to see him on kick returns, as he did not handle those against Houston for some reason.
4. How Will The Defense Perform vs Josh Allen
Josh Allen and the Bills starters will play tomorrow, so we'll see how our starting defense performs against them. Montez Sweat was apparently dealing with some minor injury this past week in practice, so he may or may not play. Even still, I'm very excited to see this group come and play together, and see how much more improved they are from the team that got diced up in preseason by the Bills last year.
5. Which Hall of Fame Game Standouts Can Keep Up Their Form and Lock Down a Roster Spot
The Hall of Fame Game brought us many standouts. Brett Rypien and Collin Johnson headline the impressive group and both have put themselves in a great position to make the team given their status (Rypien being a quality veteran and Johnson also performing well on Special Teams). We'll see if those guys can keep it up. Keep an eye out for other top performers such as Jerome Carvin, Brenden Bates, Matt Pryor, Byron Cowart, Khalid Kareem, and Reddy Steward to try and make their case for a roster spot.
Bears vs Bills will be broadcasted on FOX 32 Chicago and NFL Network, as well as being available to listen to on ESPN 1000. Kickoff is at Noon Central from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Caleb Williams' long-awaited debut comes tomorrow in Buffalo
Post-Hall of Fame Game 53-Man Roster Projection
August 3, 2024, 11:43 AM CDT
Will we overreact to the Hall of Fame game? Yeah, we will. By the time we reach preseason, there's about 40 roster spots on each team that are set. Barring an injury or significant downturn in play, these players are pretty much locks to make the final roster, and thus don't get much playing time. You'll then be left with about 50 guys fighting to make the final 53-Man roster. Some of those guys may even be cut for waiver additions, so guys need to make a big impression in order to stick on the roster. Sometimes, like in the case of 2021 Rodney Adams, it won't even matter how good you play. But for my list, we will mainly focus on play to determine who gets these spots. So some favorites from the first game (like Collin Johnson) will make my projection this week. I'll be doing one of these after each game, so keep an eye out for them. Alright, let's get into this.
QB (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Brett Rypien
Originally I was going to have two quarterbacks making the roster, but Rypien's play in the Hall of Fame Game turned heads and basically made it a conversation as to who will be QB2. I still think Bagent wins that battle, but I would definitely keep Rypien after he played well. UDFA QB Austin Reed from Western Kentucky should snag a spot on the practice squad.
RB (4): D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson, Khari Blasingame
I decided to lump Khari Blasingame into this group as well, despite him being a fullback. The three RBs I kept are pretty obvious keeps to this roster. I know Khalil Herbert has been a surprise cut candidate, but he's better than other guys they can find and I'd rather just keep him on the roster just because running backs are always a threat to get injured. A few guys will battle for RB4, but I decided not to include a 4th RB so I could have an extra receiver spot. Velus Jones could also potentially work out of the backfield if needed. This could easily change next week depending on how everyone plays, so keep an eye out for guys like Travis Homer or Demetric Felton to pop up on this projection at some point.
WR (7): DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr., Collin Johnson, Dante Pettis
I decided to stick with 7 receivers, just so I could keep Pettis on as a punt returner despite him muffing the punt on Thursday (which was forgivable given the torrential downpour and bad field conditions in Canton). The top 4 guys are locks, and I think Velus is a lock given the kickoff rules. Collin Johnson has put himself in a prime position to contend for that usual 6th and final receiver spot, and he did spend time on the 53-Man last year so it's not farfetched to think he can make it. He also played pretty well on special teams, which is crucial for some of these backups if they want to make the team.
TE (3): Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, Marcedes Lewis
Pretty simple here. Adding Everett to replace Tonyan was a great move as Everett is a lot better of a player and will catch a lot of passes from Caleb. Bringing both an elite blocker and leader in Lewis back was also a great move. And obviously you have Top 10 Tight End Cole Kmet leading the way. UDFA Brenden Bates showed promise during a series, but I don't think he makes it higher than a practice squad spot. Same with Tommy Sweeney, who caught a touchdown but also fumbled a ball on Thursday.
OL (10): Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, Ryan Bates, Nate Davis, Darnell Wright, Ja'Tyre Carter, Larry Borom, Matt Pryor, Jerome Carvin
IR: Kiran Amegadjie
Nate Davis could be a surprise cut, but outside of him I don't see any of the main group on the line getting released. I decided to go with four depth options on the line. Ja'Tyre Carter is still a developmental guy and can play at a couple spots on the line. Larry Borom is a guy that could get cut but I'll keep him around for his last season. Kiran would've gotten the other depth tackle spot, but I'm guessing he will head to IR, allowing one of Matt Pryor or Jake Curhan to make the team (I gave it to Pryor for now). Carvin was the surprising start at Center on Thursday, and he played really well in the first half and was playing well at Guard in the second half before the game got washed out. He was a 2023 UDFA signing by the Chiefs, but he's got a chance to make the 2024 Bears Opening Day 53-Man roster.
DE (5): Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, Austin Booker, Khalid Kareem
The one guy I left off was Jacob Martin, instead opting for Khalid Kareem after he had a pretty good game against the Texans. It was down to those two for the final slot at edge. Obviously, Tez and DWalk will make it. DomRob probably also gets a spot unless he plays really bad in the next three games. Austin Booker looked really good on Thursday, and he's a lock to make the team anyways and could even start over DWalk some games. Really it's just down to deciding who they would rather keep and if they want to keep 5 edge rushers in the first place.
DT (4): Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, Zacch Pickens, Michael Dwumfour
This definitely feels like a position the Bears will try to add a waiver claim in. Gervon is due for a big time breakout this year, and he's got dominant run stuffer Andrew Billings alongside to help him out. Pickens is still young but still needs development, and Dwumfour is kept really to fill the roster spot, but again, a very likely position the Bears could add talent to if a surprise cut happens around the league.
LB (5): T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga
The final LB roster spot will come down to Amen, Javin White, and Micah Baskerville. For now, Amen gets the nod, but it could change as I seriously considered Baskerville as well. The other 4 are obvious locks, with Edwards, Edmunds, and Sanborn getting starting spots and Sewell still developing and a key piece on special teams.
CB (5): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Greg Stroman Jr.
The Top 4 is pretty set, so the battle for CB5 will be interesting to watch. Leon Jones played well Thursday. Reddy Steward has been a name at camp that has been really good. Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell have had some good moments the last two years. New signee Ro Torrence has pretty good measurables. For now, I'm giving the spot to the experienced Greg Stroman Jr., who has spent time with us the past two seasons. He'll join a group consisting of the best Cornerback of 2023 in Johnson, a breakout candidate in the slot in Gordon, and young second year studs Stevenson and Smith. Stevenson, I should mention, I think will be a Top 20 corner by the end of the season.
S (4): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
I wrote about Byard the other day, and he's pretty obviously starting alongside Jaquan Brisker, who I think could make the Pro Bowl this year. Jonathan Owens will be a key contributor on special teams, and Elijah Hicks will nab the final spot.
ST (3): Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor, Patrick Scales
Yeah, pretty self-explanatory here. Only change from last year is Tory Taylor takes over at Punter for Trenton Gill. Corliss Waitman could hop on the practice squad, but there's a chance another team picks him up. Unfortunately for his chances in Chicago, it's pretty hard to beat out the best punter prospect ever.
Projected Practice Squad (16):
QB Austin Reed
RB Demetric Felton
RB Ian Wheeler
WR John Jackson III
WR Nsimba Webster
TE Brenden Bates
C Doug Kramer Jr.
G Bill Murray
T Jake Curhan
DE Jamree Kromah
DT Keith Randolph Jr.
LB Micah Baskerville
CB Jaylon Jones
CB Reddy Steward
S Adrian Colbert
S Quindell Johnson
Collin Johnson hauls in a big catch in the Hall of Fame Game
Kevin Byard Is Going To Be A Steal For The Bears
July 29, 2024, 9:00 AM CDT
The date is October 23, 2023. The NFL's trade deadline is fast approaching, and some teams are looking to add talent to strengthen their sides for the remainder of the season. The Philadelphia Eagles, sitting at 6-1 after grinding out a victory over the 5-2 Miami Dolphins on Sunday Night Football the day before, decide to swing a deal for some secondary help, trading multiple draft picks and safety Terrell Edmunds to the Titans for Kevin Byard. Byard was a multi-time All-Pro safety headed to Philly as they looked to get back to the Super Bowl and avenge their defeat to the Chiefs in 2022. Instead, the Eagles decided to release Byard after just 10 games as he failed to live up to expectations after the trade. Enter Ryan Poles.
A New Home
Byard was released by the Eagles on March 1st of this year, but unlike other free agents, he was free to negotiate with teams as soon as his release went through instead of waiting until the legal tampering period was opened. The Bears were searching for a new Free Safety as longtime ballhawk Eddie Jackson had also been released with just a year left on his contract. They decided to host Byard on a visit on March 8th, and the two sides agreed to terms two days later on a two-year, $15 million contract to bring Byard to the Windy City.
Why Byard?
The Bears had a few different options on the market to replace Eddie Jackson after he was released. Byard was the final choice, but the team could've chased after young Giants safety Xavier McKinney, who instead went to the rival Packers. Or they could've gone after a younger guy in the draft, like Tyler Nubin or Javon Bullard. So why did they go for Byard, a guy who many claimed was washed after his stint in Philly? Well, you can't say Byard was washed despite one underperforming stretch of games. Remember, he is just two years removed from an All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl selection. Yes, guys can fall off fast, but that isn't the case for Byard. His tackle numbers were the highest they've been in his career last year, despite a dip in his turnover production. His tackle grade on PFF was 91.0, so those numbers were no fluke. Speaking of PFF, he posted a 74.0 overall grade with a 70.3 grade in coverage this past year, which are still solid numbers. Granted, those grades were on the lower end if you compare them to his entire career, but he's shown he can bounce back from bad seasons before. He also managed to stay healthy all season as he's done throughout his career, playing his 130th straight game in Week 18 with the Eagles (the reason he only played 16 games last year was due to him being traded over Tennessee's Bye Week and the Eagles Bye being later in the year). The Bears bet on the upside to this deal and decided to get the proven veteran with a history of playing at the highest level on a nice bargain, rather than having to overpay for McKinney or betting on a rookie to be able to immediately step in and fill Eddie Jackson's shoes.
What The Bears Are Getting With Byard
First and foremost, the Bears are getting a leader in the secondary. While Jaylon Johnson is starting to reach that veteran leader status himself after spending four years in the league, they needed a guy like Byard to bring into that room. Byard entered the league in 2016, so he's been around longer than even Eddie Jackson was. He's going to improve guys in that young room, especially his safety partner Jaquan Brisker. He said in his press conference last week that Brisker reminded Byard of himself when he was younger, hungry to be a great player and an All-Pro, and he also said that he and Brisker talk and communicate every day. Byard brings that top-level, elite experience to the room that only Jaylon Johnson has reached. Byard has made 2 All-Pro teams and 2 Pro Bowls in his career, both in 2017 and 2021, and no one else but Jaylon Johnson has even made a Pro Bowl in that room. Speaking of 2021, we can use that year as an example of Byard bouncing back from a bad season. 2020 was by far his worst year as a pro, even worse than 2023. Despite playing all 16 games, he only had one interception and posted a career-worst PFF grade of 67.0 with an even worse Coverage PFF grade of 63.9. When a player begins to trend down, you start to expect that he'll never reach the same heights he was once at. But no, Byard came back in 2021 and had his best year as a pro, grading out at 90.2 overall on PFF with a 90.7 coverage grade. Byard is now also playing in a defense that's supposed to be elite this season, so it's the perfect time for him to have another great season and regain his form in the Windy City. But we will have to keep in mind that Byard is only here for two years and is entering his age 31 season, and given Ryan Poles' build through the draft philosophy, it wouldn't surprise me if the Bears take a developmental safety in next year's draft. By doing this, you can take the pressure of having to perform Year 1 off that rookie and have him learn behind Byard for a year. Or, they could just wait until 2026 and take a safety higher in the draft that year. Either way, they'll eventually need to replace him, but if Byard can rediscover his form and play like he used to, this could go down as one of Ryan Poles' best moves as Bears General Manager.
Kevin Byard could be one of Ryan Poles' best moves in his first few years as Bears GM