The Chicago Bears made the most puzzling move in the NFL during the first wave of free agency according to The Athletic.
Chicago's decision to sign former Tennessee Titans/Philadelphia Eagles safety Kevin Byard was pointed out as "puzzling" by The Athletic on Friday.
From The Athletic: I was not surprised with how many expensive veteran safeties were released before free agency. I am shocked that teams are still adding veteran safeties who have marginal athletic ability. The Chicago Bears’ signing of Kevin Byard was a great example. The Philadelphia Eagles bet on Byard last season at the trade deadline, acquiring him from the Tennessee Titans. Not only did it not work out, but it went very badly.
In a passing league, it’s very hard to hide players who struggle in space, whether covering or tackling. There is no longer a “box safety” position. Byard was a great player a few years ago, but he’s clearly lost a step. Bears fans have to hope it turns out differently as he joins his third team in six months.
Byard actually graded out well according to Pro Football Focus, finishing as the 23rd best safety in the NFL.
Byard will bring a solid veteran presence to the field. And he's clearly still elite against the run. He's not a perfect safety, but he still has plenty left in the tank. Calling the move to sign Byard "puzzling" is the only thing that's actually puzzling here.
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