Philadelphia Eagles fans had high hopes for Kevin Byard when he joined the franchise, as he was named a starter by Nick Sirianni almost immediately after being acquired from the Tennessee Titans.
That partnership did not last long, however. The Eagles released Byard after he appeared in just 10 games for the team. While Byard did not perform terribly during his short stint in Philadelphia, the former third-round pick recorded 75 total tackles and one interception, the Eagles felt the need to move on after the 2023 campaign, as he was released in March of 2024.
Byard spent last season with the Chicago Bears and enjoyed a resurgence. He recorded 130 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. The sacks and fumble recoveries were career-highs for the safety. Having that productive season in his back pocket, Byard made it clear that he would love to spend the rest of his career in the Windy City competing against the Eagles and the rest of the NFC.
Ex-Eagles Safety Kevin Byard Hopes to Retire as a Chicago Bear
"I put everything, my heart and my soul into this year, to this team, to this group of guys, and then we revisit those things in the offseason," Byard said this week, via Coral Smith of NFL.com. "I would love to be here long term, to finish my career with the Chicago Bears. That's all I'm focused on right now."
There isn't any reason for Eagles fans to have ill will toward Byard. It didn't work out for him in Philadelphia as the franchise had hoped. That led to the two sides going their separate ways. Given Byard's path from being a standout at a smaller school to becoming a regular starter in the NFL, he is still an easy person to root for.
If retiring as a member of the Bears is what he wishes to do, there is no reason to hope that doesn't work out for him. The Eagles and their fans are more concerned with bringing more Super Bowl championships to the City of Brotherly Love than holding grudges against former players.