The Patriots are signing free-agent safety Kevin Byard, NFL Media first reported.
It’s a one-year contract worth $9 million, per NFL media.
Byard feels a big need in the Patriots’ secondary, which was lacking another starting safety next to Craig Woodson.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and Byard, 32, were together with the Titans from 2018 to 2023. Byard, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, led the NFL with seven interceptions last season with the Bears.
Byard joins Woodson, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler and John Saunders Jr. in the Patriots safety group. Jaylinn Hawkins, the Patriots other starting safety in 2025, remains available as a free agent.
The Patriots have been busy in free agency, signing Byard, fullback Reggie Gilliam, edge defender Dre’Mont Jones, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, and linebacker K.J. Britt.
The Patriots’ biggest remaining need is now at edge defender, despite the addition of Jones. The Patriots lost starter K’Lavon Chaisson to the Commanders and released Anfernee Jennings.