Bears Predicted to Re-Sign Kevin Byard, Add Rams Free Agent DB

Pairing Byard with Kamren Curl would give Chicago a formidable safety duo.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:15pm

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According to ESPN's Matt Bowen, the Chicago Bears are predicted to re-sign veteran safety Kevin Byard and sign free agent Kamren Curl from the Los Angeles Rams to bolster their defensive backfield for the 2026 season. Byard is coming off an All-Pro campaign, while Curl has emerged as a playmaker in the Rams' secondary.

Why it matters

The Bears have several key decisions to make in their defensive backfield this offseason, with both Byard and Jaquan Brisker hitting free agency. Retaining Byard and adding Curl would give Chicago a formidable safety duo to anchor their defense and improve their run defense and pass coverage.

The details

Bowen predicts the Bears will re-sign the 32-year-old Byard, who led the NFL with 7 interceptions last season, and sign the 26-year-old Curl, who had 2 interceptions, 122 tackles, and 2 sacks for the Rams in 2025. This would likely mean Brisker, who had an impressive playoff run, will depart in free agency.

  • Byard and Brisker are both set to be free agents this offseason.
  • Nahshon Wright is also a free agent the Bears must address.

The players

Kevin Byard

A 32-year-old safety who made the All-Pro team and Pro Bowl for the third time in his career after leading the NFL with 7 interceptions for the Bears in 2025.

Kamren Curl

A 26-year-old safety who had 2 interceptions, 122 tackles, and 2 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025.

Jaquan Brisker

A Bears safety who is set to hit free agency after an impressive playoff run.

Nahshon Wright

A Bears defensive back who is also set to be a free agent this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“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. And don't be surprised if the team brings back Byard to join him, too.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Bears will need to make decisions on Byard, Brisker, and Wright's futures in the coming months as free agency approaches.

The takeaway

Retaining Byard and adding Curl would give the Bears a formidable safety duo to anchor their defense, addressing a key need in their secondary. This move would help solidify the Bears' defensive backfield and improve their chances of contending in 2026.