Kevin Byard is heading to the New England Patriots, but he left the Chicago Bears with nothing but love.
The veteran safety entered free agency after two seasons with the Bears. He logged 223 tackles, eight interceptions, two sacks and 15 passes defensed across 34 starts.
Byard signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Patriots. In 2025, the 32-year-old was instrumental in Chicago’s remarkable run. He led the NFL with seven interceptions, earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors and helped the Bears win the NFC North title.
Despite now wearing a different jersey, he had plenty to say about quarterback Caleb Williams.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on during warmups before an NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Chicago Bears: Kevin Byard sees superstardom in Caleb Williams’ future
Byard remains high on Caleb Williams heading into the 2026 season. The young signal-caller thrived in Ben Johnson’s system last year. Williams threw for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading seven fourth-quarter comebacks en route to the NFC North title.
Byard gave his former teammate his flowers during an appearance on The Schultz Report with Jordan Schultz.
“I think him being able to grow into Ben Johnson’s offense, it was great to see,” he said. “And so I can only just imagine what it’s going to feel like and look like in Year 2 of Ben Johnson’s system. When he moves on the run, he’s more accurate than he is when he isn’t. It’s the craziest thing in the world.”
Byard continued: “I expect him to be one of the top quarterbacks, if not top 2 or 3, in the league. He’s got some Super Bowls in his sights as well.”
The veteran also pointed to what separates Williams when the stakes are highest.
“I think Caleb almost wants to be in those moments more than just blow somebody out,” he said.
“And we all wanna blow people out, of course. … That’s who he is, he’s a clutch player. He has a clutch gene that you literally cannot coach. I like to compare him to Michael Jordan. … The reason he’s probably the GOAT is that he has that gene.”
Bleacher Report considers this Chicago Bears player a cut candidate right now
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