Chicago Bears Honor Kevin Byard With 2025 Team Award
The Chicago Bears’ 2025 season will be remembered for the offensive explosion led by Caleb Williams, but the defensive turnaround under head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Eric Washington was just as crucial to the team’s NFC North title run. At the heart of that defensive resurgence was veteran safety Kevin Byard.
Chicago Bears Honor Kevin Byard
Recognizing his immense contribution to a unit that led the league in takeaways, the team has officially named Kevin Byard the Bears Defensive Player of the Year.
While younger stars like Nahshon Wright and Jaquan Brisker had breakout campaigns, Byard provided the stability, leadership, and elite production necessary to glue the secondary together. His recognition is a testament to the value of veteran presence on a contending roster.
A Career Resurgence in Chicago
When the Bears brought in Kevin Byard, the hope was that he could provide competent safety play and mentorship. What they got was a time machine back to his All-Pro prime.
The stats for the 33-year-old safety were nothing short of spectacular. Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions, a figure reminiscent of his dominant 2017 campaign with the Titans. He added eight passes defensed, four tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with 61 tackles.
His impact was felt most in the biggest moments. Byard recorded two interceptions in a crucial comeback victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in September and continued to haunt quarterbacks throughout the season, picking off passes against the Cowboys, Saints, Vikings, Eagles, and Lions.
Leadership Beyond the Box Score
While the interceptions grab headlines, Byard’s value to the Bears went far beyond the stat sheet. Head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen consistently praised Byard for his role as a “voice” for the defense.
“He’s a true pro,” Allen noted late in the season. “He’s seen a lot of football, and I think he’s done a really good job for us in a leadership role kind of being the voice for the back end of the defense in particular.”
For a young secondary featuring developing talents, having a three-time First-Team All-Pro to organize coverages and set the tone in the locker room was invaluable. Byard wasn’t just directing traffic; he was teaching his teammates how to be professionals. He helped cultivate a culture of ball-hawking, directly contributing to the team’s 33 total takeaways.
Johnson emphasized this impact, stating, “He knows what winning looks like, and so his voice really carries a lot of weight for everybody in the building.”
Will the Bears Re-Sign Kevin Byard?
With the accolades secured and the season over, the focus now shifts to the offseason. Byard’s contract is set to expire in March, making Kevin Byard’s free agency a major storyline for General Manager Ryan Poles.
The mutual interest appears to be there. During his end-of-season press conference, Poles was candid about his desire to retain the veteran. “Kevin’s a special player,” Poles said. “I have no problem saying that’s a player that we would like to have back.”
Byard echoed similar sentiments, though with the understandable caveat of wanting to win. “I want to be able to win,” Byard stated. “I want to be on a team that wants to win… I truly don’t know what the future is going to hold for me.”
What It Might Take to Keep Him
Re-signing Byard won’t necessarily be straightforward. While he is 33, his production dictates that he shouldn’t be signing a veteran minimum deal. He just proved he is still a top-tier playmaker.
Factors influencing a potential deal include:
- Contract Length: At his age, the Bears will likely be hesitant to offer a long-term deal. A one- or two-year contract seems most plausible, potentially with incentives tied to performance and playing time.
- Market Value: Safety contracts have fluctuated recently, but an NFL interception leader still commands respect. If another contender offers a multi-year deal with more guaranteed money, Chicago might be priced out.
- Cap Space Management: The Bears have to balance paying their veteran leaders with extending their young core. With fellow defensive backs Nahshon Wright and Jaquan Brisker also needing attention, Poles has a financial puzzle to solve.
The Bears have a window of contention open right now with Caleb Williams on a rookie contract. Bringing Byard back keeps the championship window wide open by maintaining continuity in a secondary that was elite in 2025. Losing him would create a massive void in both production and leadership that is difficult to fill through the draft or cheaper free-agent options.
Ultimately, the Bears Defensive Player of the Year award is a fitting capstone to an incredible season. Whether it serves as a fond farewell or a prelude to another run in Navy and Orange remains the biggest question of the Bears’ offseason.
