Bears might’ve chosen between Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker amid latest rumor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears have a couple of big decisions to make this offseason. While finding a replacement left tackle is a big issue, the Bears also have a few big questions on defense.
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Adding a pass rusher is a must, and finding a replacement for Tremaine Edmunds cannot be ignored either. But another big area of interest is the safety room, with both Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard III hitting free agency.
However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears might’ve made their decision between the two already. This rumor has the Bears going with the All-Pro veteran Byard over Brisker this offseason.
Bears rumor has Byard over Brisker in re-signing priority
“My sense is the Bears will attempt to re-sign Kevin Byard III over the weekend but will let Jaquan Brisker walk,” Fowler writes.
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This is a very interesting update, as the Bears going with Byard, who is 32 years old, over the 26-year-old Brisker would be a noteworthy development.
Byard is coming off his third All-Pro season in the NFL. It’s also his third Pro Bowl season as well. He’s been a great safety in his career, and this past season was one of his best.
More: Jaquan Brisker expected to leave Bears in free agency
He started all 17 games, recording an NFL-best seven interceptions with eight passes defended, 93 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a passer rating allowed of 98.6.
In comparison, Brisker started all 17 games and recorded one interception, eight passes defended, one sack, 93 tackles, one tackle for loss, and three quarterback hits with a 127.6 passer rating allowed.
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Byard is the better coverage safety, while Brisker is a bit more of a versatile option. With a great draft class and plenty of interesting free agents outside the team, it looks as if the Bears are zeroing in on Byard over Brisker, according to this report from Fowler.