Green Bay Packers Compete With Rival To Sign All-Pro Free Agent
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (11) stiff arms Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4)
while picking up 14 yards on a reception during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, September 18, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 27-10.
With the Green Bay Packers lacking in the safety position, they are likely monitoring any free agent and following where they may end up.
If the Packers are keeping an eye on All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, they will quickly find out that division rival Chicago Bears have hosted him on a visit.
This may spark a competition between the historic franchises as they attempt to obtain a talented defensive back,
Kevin Byard Looks For New Team
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs for a first down on a reception against Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during their football game Thursday, November 17, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
When the Philidelphia Eagles traded for Kevin Byard in the 2023-24 NFL season, they were likely looking to re-sign him to a longer deal.
Luckily for the Green Bay Packers such a deal was never executed, instead opting to release Byard a year before his contract expired.
Given his history as a talent in the NFL, his market will not be small. Although Byard had a questionable season in 2023, allowing 47 completions in 59 targets,
it appears he could be declining at the age of 30.
He was a member of what can be considered the worst-performing secondary unit in the NFL last season as they allowed the second most receptions per game.
Byard was on the back end of unacceptable cornerback play which can inflate some poorer statistics for a safety
Pro Football Focus had him graded at a respectable 74 on the 2023-24 season better than any safety that played substantial snaps for the Green Bay Packers.
Earning All-Pro honors in 2017 and 2021, Kevin Byard has portrayed consistent elite defensive back play for years.
Racking up 28 interceptions in his career, the talented safety has established himself as a talented back with high ball production.
Despite climbing in age, it should be expected for the Green Bay Packers to at least gauge interest for the All-Pro talent-free agent.
Though it does not appear it will be without competition
Chicago Bears Host Kevin Byard On Visit
Given the Green Bay Packers’ history with the Chicago Bears and the fact they must play each other twice a year,
it is likely the Packers would prefer the Bears to stay away from potential star talent.
But according to NFL insider Ian Rapaport, it seems the Chicago Bears are proactive in their attempts to obtain the talented safety.
This may be a wake-up call for the Green Bay Packers if they were aiming to pursue Byard at a later date after giving offers to other potential safeties.
It could prompt Green Bay to start conversations a little sooner to sway Kevin Byard away from the neighboring rival.
