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Patriots Sign All‑Pro Safety Kevin Byard to One‑Year, $9 Million Deal

The reunion gives New England a proven ballhawk fresh off a league‑leading seven interceptions.

Kevin Byard is looking to be missing piece for the Patriots' secondary.
Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots addresses the media prior to Super Bowl LX at the Santa Clara Marriott on February 03, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Kevin Byard III #31 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Byard agreed to terms on a one‑year, $9 million contract, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, with the deal negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First during the legal tampering window.
  • He reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel after their 2018–23 tenure in Tennessee and is set to join a secondary anchored by standout rookie Craig Woodson.
  • The 10‑year veteran led the NFL with seven interceptions in 2025, earned first‑team All‑Pro and Pro Bowl honors, and owns 36 career picks and 972 tackles.
  • Byard has never missed a regular‑season game, logging 164 consecutive appearances and playing nearly every defensive snap for Chicago last season.
  • The move coincides with Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins planning to sign a two‑year, $10 million deal with the Ravens, while the Bears lose a captain and playmaker and still have Jaquan Brisker unsigned after adding Coby Bryant.