Former Eagles safety Kevin Byard lands with the Chicago Bears

Eight days before Halloween, the Philadelphia Eagles developed this wild idea. In exchange for safety Kevin Byard, they traded fifth and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft (and safety Terrell Edmunds) to the Tennessee Titans. Philly planned, in part, to determine whether or not the former two-time First-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler had anything left. They determined he didn't.

The move made sense at the time. Philly needed a safety. This was a low-risk, high-reward move. things don't always work out how we think they should though.

Somewhere along the line, we believe Byard joined in that 'give Sean Desai the silent treatment' thing. That's water under the bridge now, but let's make long stories short. Philly eventually moved on and saved a little over $14 million by doing so.

Here's something about NFL coaches that you might find interesting. They always believe they can bring something out of a guy another coach couldn't. As a result, Byard has found a new home.

The Bears sign former now-former Eagles safety Kevin Byard to a two-year deal.

There are times when Ryan Poles looks like a capable NFL general manager. There are other times when it's tough to determine how he got the job with the Chicago Bears in the first place. Moves like this one give credence to the latter theory.

We knew Byard would get a job. Let's state that first and foremost, but a two-year write-up worth $15 million? That's reportedly what he'll earn as a member of the Bears secondary.

Might this mean the Chicago Bears are moving on from Eddie Jackson? Time will tell. Much will be ironed out during the first week of free agency.

Read more free agency news from Inside The Iggles