The New England Patriots are reportedly adding a veteran leader to their secondary. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard to a one-year, $9 million deal. Byard will turn 33 before the start of the 2026 season. But there’s still plenty of tread left on those tires, given that the hard-hitting safety is coming off a 2025 campaign with the Bears where he earned both Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors.
Here are four things to know about New England’s latest addition to its defensive unit.
### He’s a Ball Hawk
The Patriots’ defense was an impressive unit during the 2025 season, ranking fourth in the league with just 18.8 points allowed per game. They were also one of only 13 NFL teams that finished with a positive turnover differential, though it was just a modest plus-3 on the season.
If New England is looking to ramp up those turnover totals in 2026, bringing in a safety like Byard makes plenty of sense. Byard played a key role in the Bears’ outstanding plus-22 turnover differential last season — tops in the league and five more than the second-place Texans.
The veteran led the NFL with seven interceptions on the season, serving as a thorn in the side of opposing QBs throughout the fall. But he was more than just a turnover machine last season, closing out the year with 93 combined tackles (61 solo), eight pass deflections, and four tackles for a loss.
His seven interceptions were far from an outlier. Over his 10 NFL seasons, Byard has amassed 36 total interceptions. He also led the league with eight interceptions back in 2017 while playing for Tennessee.
In total, he has earned three First Team All-Pro honors in his career — in 2017, 2021, and 2025.
### He Has Plenty of Familiarity with Mike Vrabel
It should come as little surprise that Byard was interested in signing with New England beyond the team’s recent success. He shares a history with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, having played under him from 2018 to 2023 with the Tennessee Titans.
Byard established himself as one of the premier safeties in the league under Vrabel’s guidance, evolving from a promising rookie to an All-Pro talent during Vrabel’s first year as head coach.
Speaking last summer about Patriots veteran Hunter Henry, Vrabel compared him to Byard in terms of poise both on and off the field.
“Very similar to Kevin Byard,” Vrabel said in July 2025. “I’m not big on comparisons, just talking about personalities. Kevin was really confident and comfortable. He never looked stressed. You would look and see some younger players maybe at the same position and they’d be sweating before the play would start.”
“They were making checks and everything else and running,” he added. “And Kevin just always had a very calm, confident demeanor and was an excellent player for us. I feel the same about Hunter.”
Byard has also spoken highly of Vrabel. In January 2025, he told CHGO Sports, “Definitely one of my all-time favorite coaches. Probably the smartest football mind I’ve been around.”
### He Hasn’t Missed a Game in His NFL Career
Given both his age and the hard-hitting nature of his position, it wouldn’t be surprising if Byard had missed games over the course of his decade-long career. But the veteran has been one of the most durable players in the league, not missing a single game due to injury across 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, Eagles, and Bears.
He has played through significant injuries, including nine games with a sprained AC joint in 2017 and the final four games of the 2023 season with a torn labrum.
“I don’t get it with some guys around the league,” Byard told The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer regarding his ability to stay on the field. “You worked your ass off through high school to make it in college. You worked your ass off in college to open the doors to the league. Now, shouldn’t you be going 1,000 times harder to make this last? This is the time to mash the gas.”
Even at 32 years old, Byard played in 99.8 percent of Chicago’s defensive snaps during the 2025 season.
### He Was a Legend at Middle Tennessee State
The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders compete in the FBS division of college football as part of Conference USA. Yet, Byard’s outstanding resume during his tenure in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, helped him get selected with the first pick in the third round (No. 63 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Byard was a stat-sheet stuffer during his time with the Blue Raiders, recording 318 combined tackles, 19 interceptions (four returned for touchdowns), three forced fumbles, and 15 pass deflections.
In recognition of his collegiate accomplishments, Middle Tennessee retired his No. 20 jersey in 2022, making him just the second player in school history to receive this honor.
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With his leadership, ball-hawking skills, durability, and familiarity with Head Coach Mike Vrabel, Kevin Byard is expected to be a valuable addition to the Patriots’ secondary as they prepare for the 2026 season.
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2026/03/11/kevin-byard-nfl-new-england-patriots-things-to-know-mike-vrabel-scouting-report/
