Report: Byard to join Patriots on 1-year, $9M deal

Veteran safety Kevin Byard plans to sign a one-year, $9-million contract with the New England Patriots, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Byard spent the past two seasons with the Chicago Bears and showed he can still play at a high level ahead of his age-33 campaign. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2025 after leading the NFL with seven interceptions. The three-time Pro Bowler also collected 93 tackles and eight pass breakups.

In New England, Byard will reunite with Mike Vrabel, who coached him on the Tennessee Titans for several seasons. Byard started his career with the Titans (2016-23) before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he played only 10 games.

Byard will join a strong Patriots secondary and could line up along with Craig Woodson. Free-agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who started 15 games for New England in 2025, reached an agreement on a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday.

Multiple Bears defensive backs hit the market this offseason, including Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Chicago recently agreed to sign Coby Bryant, presumably to serve as Byard's replacement.