Safety first? Bears could end up rebuilding the entire position group

Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs answers questions during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: INEG126Eric Gay/AP Photos

INDIANAPOLIS — The top safety in this year’s draft was listing off his favorite NFL players at the position when he came upon a name familiar to Bears fans.

“Kevin Byard,” Ohio State safety Caleb Downs said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “His film this year was crazy.”

The Bears want Byard back after he was named first-team all-pro and led the NFL with seven interceptions last year. They plan on engaging with him on contract talks in the coming days. Despite being 32, he could fetch…