Austin Konenski
The New England Patriots have made a shocking splash in NFL free agency. New England is signing free-agent safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Byard was the 2025 NFL interception leader with seven takeaways. Six players were tied for second place with five interceptions.
The 2025 All-Pro safety spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears; however, he spent six years playing under Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans. Byard put together the best campaign from an NFL safety during the 2025-26 season, even though he is 32 years old.
New England had a hole in their secondary with Jaylinn Hawkins entering free agency. Instead of re-signing Hawkins, the Patriots will pair Byard with Craig Woodson for the upcoming season. Barring any injuries or other moves, New England’s secondary is set. Woodson and Byard will start at safety, while Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones man down the cornerback position.
Byard also leads the NFL with 36 interceptions since being drafted in 2016. The 32-year-old safety is a big-time impact player who should help lead the defense with his experience. Byard has top-tier reliability, never missing a game in his 10-year NFL career due to injuries.
The former Bear joins linebacker Dre’Mont Jones as New England’s major additions on the defensive side of the football. The Patriots have also agreed to terms with wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, fullback Reggie Gilliam, and linebacker K.J. Britt.
New England intends to keep making additions to its football team, as its pursuit of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown continues after signing Doubs. The Patriots’ schedule will be harder next season; however, the team is significantly improving and adding Byard to the secondary makes the defense more dangerous.
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