Bears sign wide receiver Damiere Byrd to a 1-year deal

On Tuesday it was reported from the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that the Chicago Bears were signing speedy wide out Damiere Byrd to a 1-year contract.

Byrd, who has five years experience in the NFL with the Panthers, Cardinals, and most recently with the Patriots, is coming off a career high 47 receptions and 604 yards in New England. The 28-year old also played in a career high 16 games, with 14 starts, and 901 offensive snaps (89%) for the Pats a year ago.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger, 93% of Byrd’s reps last year came outside, and not in the slot, but with the way the Bears move their receivers around so often he could find himself lined up inside too.

While he wasn’t very active on special teams in 2020, he does have a combined 28 kick/punt returns during his career.

He was originally an UDFA out of South Carolina in 2015, where he was also on the track and field team, and at his pro day he ran a sizzling 4.28 forty.

Byrd (5’9”, 180) is the fourth member of Chicago’s receiving room to run under a 4.4 in the forty yards dash, joining fellow newcomer Marquise Goodwin (4.27) and second year pro Darnell Mooney (4.38), and practice squadder Reggie Davis (4.36).