The New England Patriots were recently urged to consider signing pending free agent safety Kevin Byard.
New England was, again, linked to the three-time Pro Bowler on Tuesday, when Patriots beat reporter Doug Kyed of The Boston Herald said Byard "could make some sense on a short-term deal."
The caveat for a possible Byard contract is safety Jaylinn Hawkins (one of New England's two starters set to hit free agency) not returning to the Patriots.
"If Hawkins, whom the Patriots have interest in retaining, does not return, then safety becomes one of the team’s biggest needs," Kyed wrote. "(Byard) played under (New England head coach Mike) Vrabel from 2018 to 2023 (with the Tennessee Titans), when he was traded to the Eagles. ... He’s spent the last two seasons with the Bears and has continued his high level of play. Though he’s older than most of the players on this list, a reunion with Vrabel and his former Titans assistant coaches could make some sense on a short-term deal."
Hawkins led New England with a career-high four interceptions during the 2025 regular season and added high marks in quarterback hits (five) and sacks (1.5) while matching his best total in passes defended (six) as well.
Byard was a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro twice during his Titans career, including the 2017 campaign when he tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions.
The 32-year-old was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2025 with the Chicago Bears and paced the league in interceptions with seven.
Kyed projected Byard to earn $9 million per year on his next contract, while estimating that Hawkins would cost $6 million per year.
"Some around the NFL still don’t consider Hawkins as a starting-level defender, which could lower his value, allowing the Patriots to sign him to a lower-level deal," the insider said.
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