Player Signing Safety Kevin Byard signs 1 year deal

[Username]

Good signing

 

[n1997y]

One year deal. He’s old.

 

[n1997y]

Dang, you beat me by a keystroke…

He’s old.

 

[Username]

He’s old.

He's also good

 

[Joey007]

this was one I saw coming, but also didn’t.

The Vrabel connection felt obvious. But also didn’t think we’d go the older route. But he is still very good.

Does this mean we’re out on Hawkins?

 

[Guts]

don't hate it

 

[n1997y]

He's also good

Yes, but may not be anything more than a one season rental.

 

[Zuma]

Started 155 out of 164 possible games (started every game except for 1st season)....ironman. 81 career PD's is damn impressive, 36 INT's...

 

[patfanken]

I assume you mean with US?

If it's with us, then depending on the contract he is a solid upgrade to our safety room even at his advanced years. It adds protection if Hawkins leaves and if he doesn't we have depth we didn't before and the flexibility to use more 3 safety looks that we didn't have last season. Kudos to the FO.

Edit: $9MM seems about right. Nice pick up

 

[KCSVEN]

1 year deal for $9 million, allows then to draft a safety mid draft and hopefully develop for next year. Worse case back in free agency for 1 next year, safeties generally can be had.

Good player will be 33 when year starts but even with a minor drop off he's better than Hawkins.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Makes sense. They have nothing at FS right now. Hawkins was good last year, but it's a blip in his career. Not sure they view him as a viable long term starter, just a stop gap. And this is, on paper, a better stop gap at least if you go by long-term track record. I know there are some metrics that graded Hawkins extremely highly last year, but sometimes those can be finicky. And if someone else buys those metrics more than they do it might be a bad contract value.

Feels like a position they'll look to draft a long term starter for, but this covers them in case there isn't a guy they like this year or they just can't get him. And then next year they can reassess (either another stop gap and look to draft or maybe they like a long-term solution free agent). This is just smart team building to plug holes with reputable vets so you're covered.

 

[TommyD4207]

Dang, you beat me by a keystroke…

He’s old.

He's also really good. Fills the hole on the other side of Woodson in a big, big way.

Also zero ramp-up learning the defense.

 

[203Pat]

Vrabel knows him well and some veteran leadership in the secondary. Don't hate it.

 

[TommyD4207]

Yes, but may not be anything more than a one season rental.

So you're saying...draft another safety in the 4th round? Worked out last time.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Very nice signing, still hope we draft a safety to upgrade the 3rd spot and eventually replace him but we have a strong starting pair now.

 

[patsinthesnow]

Gonzalez
Davis
Jones

Byard
Woodson

In the running for best secondary in the NFL & their best unit since 2018.

 

[mayoclinic]

So you're saying...draft another safety in the 4th round? Worked out last time.

VJ Payne or Zakee Wheatley, please (unless we somehow land Yreudan Stukes day 2).

 

[TommyD4207]

Gonzalez
Davis
Jones

Byard
Woodson

In the running for best secondary in the NFL & their best unit since 2018.

Need to draft a corner with good traits this year though. I think this might be Davis' last ride this year.

But yeah, assuming health, name me a better secondary in the league.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Two time all-pro safety? Yes please.

Byard had 7 INTs last season. He's a true ballhawk.

Granted it's only a 1 year deal but I'm fine with that.

 

[TommyD4207]

(Also helps your as-we-speak-today, still pretty dogshit linebacker room)