Kevin Byard And Nahshon Wright Welcomed Shedeur Sanders To Pro Bowl — With Two INTs
The Pro Bowl isn’t the event it was years ago, but it’s still viewed with some semblance of respect as a showcase for some of the NFL’s best. That went out the window this year when it was announced that Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Nobody could understand how that was possible. Sanders completed barely half of his passes this season with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. How does he belong on the same field as Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright, who combined for 12 interceptions this season?
Still, the rookie didn’t seem bothered by the outrage. He acted as if he belonged there, having no doubt that it was a sign of things to come. Maybe it would’ve been better to stay home. During the flag football match between the two teams, Byard and Wright picked up right where they left off. The Bears safety was the first to get Sanders on a tipped pass.
Later in the 3rd quarter, Sanders tried going deep to the end zone. Wright was the one to make him pay this time. That makes a total of five interceptions he’s thrown to Bears defensive backs this season.
Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright put one like statement on free agency stock.
Both men are scheduled to hit the open market next month. Neither has received any notice from the Bears about a possible extension yet. Given where things stand with the salary cap, it is more than likely one of them will be playing for a new team next season. Current predictions have Wright being that guy. He is considerably younger than the 33-year-old Byard and plays a more in-demand position at cornerback. It is expected that he will have an assortment of interested teams vying for his services.
It feels like Kevin Byard is the more likely candidate to return. He won’t cost as much due to his age. Projections have it being around $7 million per year. Besides, the Bears are also in line to lose Jaquan Brisker as well. They have to keep one of their starting safeties. Byard is the most sensible choice. Then again, these things don’t always go the way you expect. It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the next 30 days.
As for Sanders, he had better start learning how to be careful with the football, or other teams will pick up on what the Bears have done to him this season.