Bears waste no time replacing Kevin Byard in latest 2026 mock draft

Sep 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard (31) reacts during the first quarter against Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesThere's no time to rest for the Chicago Bears' front office. Just over a month after their playoff run ended, it's already time to build out the roster for 2026.

General manager Ryan Poles has his work cut out for him, as multiple starters are about to hit free agency. Among them is veteran safety Kevin Byard III, who brought down a team-high seven interceptions in 2025. He was invaluable to Chicago's secondary, but with younger starters in need of…