The Chicago Bears have reportedly lost a key defender to the New England Patriots in free agency.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, veteran safety Kevin Byard is signing a one-year, $9 million deal with the Patriots.
"Three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard is signing with the Patriots on a one-year, $9 million deal, per sources," Pelissero reported.
Byard was one of two safeties the Bears had hitting the open market this offseason, along with Jaquan Brisker, who has yet to sign with a team.
By all accounts, it was believed that the Bears wanted to bring Byard back, but clearly that wasn't in the cards for Chicago, who may now have as many as two starting safeties to replace if Brisker doesn't return.
Byard already has a strong connection to the Patriots through head coach Mike Vrabel, who he played under while both were with the Tennessee Titans.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Byard spent two seasons with the Bears and didn't miss a single game.
In 2025, Byard tallied 92 tackles, a league-high seven interceptions and eight passes defensed en route to another Pro Bowl nod.
He gave up a completion rate of 63.5% and a passer rating of 98.6 when targeted.
Not only are the Bears losing a good player and important piece of their defense, Chicago is losing a fantastic locker room leader, also.
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