The Chicago Bears had an active offseason, with general manager Ryan Poles focusing on enhancing the roster through free agency. Key signings included running back D'Andre Swift and safety Kevin Byard, with the latter earning recognition as the team's top free agent acquisition from Pro Football Focus. Byard's performance as a veteran leader in a young secondary was pivotal, as he not only led the team in tackles but also excelled in run defense.

Looking ahead to 2025, Byard, now a critical part of the Bears' defense, is expected to continue playing a significant role under new head coach Ben Johnson. His leadership qualities will be essential in establishing a culture of accountability and professionalism. Although he is nearing the end of his career, Byard's contributions remain invaluable for the Bears as they aim to build a competitive team.

Budda Baker delivered an outstanding season for the Arizona Cardinals, finishing second in the NFL in tackles with an impressive 3.7 tackles over expected per game. This remarkable efficiency set a high standard for defensive backs, underscoring Baker's elite status in the league.

The New York Giants saw promising performances from rookie defensive backs Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips, both of whom stood out in their respective tackle metrics, contributing significantly to their team's defensive efforts.

The Chicago Bears are looking to address safety as part of their offseason priorities for 2025. While other positions, such as offensive line and pass rush, are expected to take precedence, lingering concerns over Jaquan Brisker's health may push the safety position higher on the list. With veteran Kevin Byard's age and potential cap savings looming, the Bears could be forced to reassess their strategy.

One name that stands out in free agency is Jevon Holland, a rising star from the Miami Dolphins. Holland, who will become an unrestricted free agent, is regarded as one of the top free agents available. His impressive performance in 2024 has made him a prime target for teams in need of a dynamic safety.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a pivotal offseason after finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record. With a promising rookie quarterback in Caleb Williams, the team is poised to make significant changes to enhance their roster. General manager Ryan Poles is in a favorable position, entering free agency with ample salary cap space and critical draft picks, including the 10th overall selection.

To maximize their potential, the Bears must address four key areas of weakness: upgrading their offensive tackles, securing reliable interior linemen, bolstering their edge rushing attack, and finding a dependable safety. Darnell Wright is set to solidify the right tackle position, but improvements are necessary on the left side to protect Williams effectively. The interior offensive line requires attention, as the team lacks established starters at guard and center, necessitating both free agency and draft picks to stabilize the unit.

The Chicago Bears showcased a remarkable defensive performance during their recent game against the Seattle Seahawks, yet it was not sufficient to secure a win. Despite limiting the Seahawks to just 265 yards and allowing only two field goals by Jason Myers, the Bears found themselves on the losing end of a 6-3 scoreline. Safety Kevin Byard expressed disappointment, indicating that the defense should have aimed to keep the opponents to even fewer points.

This loss marked a historic moment for the Bears, as they became the first team in NFL history to lose a game while allowing six points or fewer. This unique statistic highlights the struggles the franchise has faced, as it has only happened four times in the last 90 seasons. The last time the Bears experienced such a loss was in 1999 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when they also fell 6-3.

The Bears' defense was expected to be a stronghold this season, especially following the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the draft. However, the team has faced challenges, suffering a 10-game losing streak after an initial promising start of 4-2. Defensive back Kyler Gordon acknowledged the team's recent struggles but emphasized the importance of returning to their defensive standards, noting that they performed significantly better in this game.