Given the Green Bay Packers’ deficiencies in the safety position, they’re likely keeping close tabs on available free agents to fill the gap. If they’re considering pursuing All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, they’ll be aware that their division rival, the Chicago Bears, have hosted him on a visit, potentially sparking a competition between these storied franchises to acquire the talented defensive back.
When the Philadelphia Eagles traded for Kevin Byard during the 2023-24 NFL season, they likely intended to sign him to a longer contract. However, fortunately for the Green Bay Packers, such an agreement never materialized, and Byard was instead released a year before his contract expired.
Despite his notable history as an NFL talent, Byard’s market is likely to be substantial. Although he had a less impressive season in 2023, allowing 47 completions in 59 targets, it seems that at the age of 30, he may be experiencing a decline. He was part of what could be considered one of the worst-performing secondary units in the NFL last season, allowing the second-highest number of receptions per game. Byard’s performance was affected by subpar cornerback play, which may have inflated some of his less flattering statistics as a safety.
Pro Football Focus graded Byard at a respectable 74 for the 2023-24 season, higher than any safety who played significant snaps for the Green Bay Packers. With All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2021, Kevin Byard has consistently demonstrated elite defensive back skills over the years, accumulating 28 interceptions in his career and establishing himself as a talented player with a knack for creating turnovers.
Despite his advancing age, it’s reasonable to expect the Green Bay Packers to at least explore the possibility of acquiring the All-Pro free agent talent. However, it’s unlikely to be without competition.
