Chicago Bears fans saddened by unfortunate NFL news

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 4:11 PM ET

The Chicago Bears wasted no time getting to work this offseason.

Under the tactical mind of coach Ben Johnson and a breakout second-year campaign from quarterback Caleb Williams, Chicago surged to an 11-6 record. The Bears captured the NFC North title and earned the franchise’s first postseason win since 2010.

The squad enters 2026 as legitimate contenders with championship ambitions firmly in sight. But with greater expectations came difficult decisions.

Several key contributors hit the open market, forcing general manager Ryan Poles to retool on the fly. Chicago made targeted additions to shore up the roster while parting ways with some familiar faces.

The Bears move forward hungry, but not without some bittersweet goodbyes.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1), safety Kevin Byard III (31 and safety Elijah Hicks (22) enter the field against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NFL: Chicago Bears fans dejected after New England Patriots sign Kevin Byard

The Chicago Bears’ defense took a major hit this week. First-Team All-Pro safety Kevin Byard signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the New England Patriots.

The move stung a fan base that had grown deeply attached to one of the hardest-working and most beloved players to suit up in Chicago. Supporters flooded the NFL’s video of Byard’s best Bears highlights with an outpouring of sadness.

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The comment section said it all.

“He was the heart of the defense,” wrote a fan.

“We lost a good one,” said another.

“East Atlanta legend,” declared a user.

“Why couldn’t we just pay him?” a reaction read.

“Bears fans hate to see him go,” another said.

“I’m hurt,” confessed a supporter.

Byard had been one of the Bears’ top free-agent priorities heading into the offseason.

Fans also loved him for his durability. He never missed a game due to injury and started all 17 regular-season games in both of his seasons with Chicago.

In 2025, he led the NFL with seven interceptions, added 93 tackles and earned his third Pro Bowl selection and third First-Team All-Pro honor.

Byard is not the only high-profile departure. The Bears also traded wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 2026 second-round pick.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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