Patriots Reunite Mike Vrabel and Pro Bowler Kevin Byard

The New England Patriots are bolstering their defensive backfield by adding a three-time All Pro safety to the Foxborough fold.

The Patriots, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal. The Network’s report indicated that the deal was negotiated by Byard’s agent David Mulugheta of AthletesFirst.

Three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is signing with the Patriots on a one-year, $9 million deal, per sources.

Deal negotiated @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/HT25xrQlpD
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2026

Having second-year Craig Woodson solidified into a starting role, New England has opted for Byard’s veteran presence to anchor their secondary.

Byard, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, played under Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. At that time, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 32-year-old earned Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors last season with seven interceptions with the Chicago Bears in 2025.

While early indications had the veteran safety likely to return to the Windy City, a short-term deal — reuniting him with Vrabel and some of his former Titans’ assistants — apparently enticed Byard to bring his talents to New England.

Byard has led the league in interceptions twice (in 2017, and 2025) throughout his career, while compiling 972 total tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries. 81 passes-defensed, 36 interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

Kevin Byard has Experience in Patriots Defensive System

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks to safety Kevin Byard (31) before the NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Md. An54095 | Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com, Nashville Tennessean via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Led by Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro Christian Gonzalez at cornerback, the Pats’ secondary should continue to be a strength of the team in 2026. Still, the team wisely entered the market for some depth at safety — especially given the uncertain free agent status of last year’s starter Jaylinn Hawkins. The 28-year-old tied for the team lead in interceptions with four, had 11 pressures and 1.5 sacks, but was most effective as a deep safety.

While Byard has a wealth of experience playing in a Vrabel-style defense, is should be noted that his best season came in 2017. The Middle Tennessee product finished his second professional season with 87 combined tackles (62 solo), 16 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and led the league in interceptions with eight in 16 games and starts.

With Hawkins finding greener pastures by signing a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, New England had big shoes to fill in the rear of their defensive backfield — and will do so with Byard. The 5-11, 218-pounder is set to join a safeties room consisting of Woodson, Dell Pettus Jr, John Saunders Jr and Brendan Schooler — who is primarily used as a special teamer.

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