The New England Patriots are bringing in a familiar face for head coach Mike Vrabel.
Veteran safety Kevin Byard has agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with New England, according to reports Wednesday. The move reunites Byard with Vrabel, under whom he played for six seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
During their time together in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023, Byard established himself as one of the league’s top safeties. Over that span he recorded 19 interceptions, 43 passes defended, three forced fumbles and 481 tackles while earning multiple All-Pro selections.
Byard added another interception early in the 2023 season before the Titans traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles in October of that year. Vrabel’s tenure in Tennessee ended less than three months later.
Since leaving the Titans, Byard has spent time with multiple teams. He finished the 2023 season in Philadelphia before signing with the Chicago Bears in 2024. In 2025, he enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career, tying a career high with seven interceptions to lead the NFL while helping Chicago reach the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Despite approaching his 33rd birthday in August, Byard’s ball-hawking performance last season helped him land another opportunity with a contender. In New England, he is expected to pair with promising rookie safety Craig Woodson in the Patriots’ secondary.
