The [New England Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) lost Jaylinn Hawkins in free agency, but signed Kevin Byard to replace him on their defense.
As good as Hawkins was for Mike Vrabel in his breakout season, Byard is clearly an upgrade. The veteran was a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro last season. It was his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection since 2021, when he played under Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans.
Byard had a resurgent season, but at 32 years old, he only secured a one-year deal in free agency. The Patriots signed him to a one-year, $7 million deal, and [ESPN's Mike Reiss revealed](https://x.com/MikeReiss/status/2033881001391190337) the details of the deal on Tuesday.
According to Reiss, Byard got a $3.5 million signing bonus, and his total guarantee is $6.17 million. He will count for $9 million on the salary cap with a base salary of $2.67 million. He also gets a $40,000 per game roster bonus, up to $680,000. He has a $150,000 workout bonus and $2 million in incentives.
After the resurgent season Byard put together on the Chicago Bears, the Patriots were able to sign him for very cheap. Byard led the league in interceptions last season. He recorded eight passes defended, 93 tackles and four tackles for a loss. He has played 17 games in back-to-back seasons.
Byard is a reliable safety with plenty of experience. He has missed just one game in his career. That game came in 2023 after he was traded from the Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Overall, this is a good deal for the Patriots, and one that could drastically improve their defense.