The New England Patriots have made a surprise move in NFL free agency. New England is signing free-agent safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million contract, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Byrd was the 2025 NFL interception leader with seven takeaways. Six players tied for second with five interceptions.
The 2025 All-Pro safety spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears; However, he spent six years with the Tennessee Titans, playing under Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Byard had the best campaign by an NFL safety during the 2025-26 season, even though he is 32 years old.
New England left a hole in their secondary with Jaylin Hawkins entering free agency. Rather than re-sign Hawkins, the Patriots will pair Byrd with Craig Woodson for the upcoming season. Barring any injuries or other moves, New England's secondary is set. Woodson and Byrd will start at safety, while Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones will man the cornerback positions.
Byard 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. Byrd's reliability is top-notch, having never missed a game due to injuries in his 10-year NFL career.
The former Bear joins linebacker Dre'Mont Jones as New England's key additions on the defensive side of the football. The Patriots have also agreed to terms with wide receiver Romeo Doubs, left guard Elijah Vera-Tucker, fullback Reggie Gilliam and linebacker KJ Britt.
New England looks to add new players to its football team as the pursuit of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown continues after signing Dobbs. The Patriots will have a tough schedule next season; However, the team is much improving and the addition of Byrd to the secondary makes the defense even more dangerous.
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