One of the more grizzled veterans on the market, Kevin Byard, has been around the NFL in his time. The 10-year veteran safety and the New England Patriots have come to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $9 million. Initially a third-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft, Byard has also spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.
Kevin Byard, Patriots, Agree to Contract
As a rookie, Byard appeared in all 16 games with seven starts, beginning a run of 111 consecutive games as the starter on the Titans’ defense. In his time with Tennessee, Byard amassed 674 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 19 quarterback hits, four sacks, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 63 pass breakups, 27 interceptions, and one pick-six.
Then, on October 23, 2023, Byard was traded by the Titans to the Eagles for fifth and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, along with Terrell Edmunds. Byard finished his time in Tennessee tied for the fourth-most interceptions, fifth in pass breakups (among those with stats), and seventh with 464 solo tackles.
Byard was with the Eagles for just 10 games following the trade. In those six games, he added 75 total tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception. Following the 2023 season, Byard was a cap casualty and eventually signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Bears.
Byard played out his two-year contract with the Bears, resulting in 223 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, 15 pass breakups, and eight interceptions.
Byard was named a Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro in 2017, 2021, and 2025.
In his 10-year career, Byard has only missed one game. That one game was in the week he was traded, and he likely would not have been able to suit up either way. So, Byard has played in 164 consecutive games and has made 155 consecutive starts. In two seasons (2017 and 2025), Byard led his conference in interceptions. Last year, his seven interceptions led the entire NFL. His 36 career interceptions are good for the second-most among active players behind Harrison Smith (39).