Bears predicted to re-sign Kevin Byard to pair with Rams free agent DB

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Bears predicted to re-sign Kevin Byard to pair with Rams free agent DB originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 offseason with a few big decisions to make. While they need a pass rusher and could use more help along the offensive line, the Bears' biggest question mark is the safety room.

Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both hitting free agency, and adding on, Nahshon Wright is set to be a free agent as well; the Bears have three big decisions to make with their defensive backfield.

For ESPN's Matt Bowen, the Bears are predicted to not only bring back Byard, but to bring him back while pairing him with a free agent from the Los Angeles Rams in safety Kamren Curl.

Bears predicted to re-sign Kevin Byard, sign Kamren Curl​

"In coordinator Dennis Allen's defense, Curl (who had two picks with the Rams in 2025) can play as an interchangeable safety and improve the Bears' run defense," Bowen writes. "And don't be surprised if the team brings back Byard to join him, too."

Bowen is predicting that the Bears could sign Curl in free agency and pair him with re-signing Byard to complete their safety room for the 2026 season.

This would mean that Brisker would be set to leave this offseason. He might land a huge contract from a team in need of safety help, thanks in part to his age and impressive play in the playoffs this past season.

More: Analyst reveals why Bears' biggest need is not safety this offseason

But, Curl and Byard would be more than good enough to be the Bears' new safety duo. Curl is 26 years old and has five interceptions in six years in his six-year NFL career. This past season, he had two picks to go with 122 tackles and two sacks.

Byard, meanwhile, is coming off an All-Pro season with the Bears. At 32 years old, Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions, had eight passes defended, 93 tackles, and his third All-Pro and Pro Bowl nod in his career.

Pairing Curl and Byard in the Bears' safety room for 2026 would help round out a secondary that, if fully healthy, could be one of the better units in the NFL.

This scenario Bowen outlined would be a great one for the Bears, as it would resolve both safety spots with a pair of stable veterans who can be game changers for Chicago in 2026.

More Bears news:​

• Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• Bears get good news on free agent Nahshon Wright amid $16.6M contract projection
• Bears get exciting offseason rumor on Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson
• Bears left tackle spot in jeopardy amid uncertain Ozzy Trapilo future in NFL
• Bears insider reveals two things Caleb Williams needs to improve upon this offseason
• Bears give All-Pro safety Kevin Byard team award for 2025 season

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