All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard Signs One-Year Deal with Patriots

The New England Patriots have signed veteran safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract. Byard, 32, reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel after a standout 2025 season with the Chicago Bears, where he led the NFL with seven interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro honors. A consistent playmaker with 36 career interceptions, Byard provides an immediate boost to the Patriots' secondary as they look to improve their takeaway production in 2026.