The New England Patriots are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million contract, according to The Athletic and NFL Network.

Byard, 32, is coming off his third first-team All-Pro honor last season with the Chicago Bears. He finished the season, his second with Chicago, with seven interceptions, two more than any other player in the league. He also recorded 93 tackles, eight pass breakups and four tackles for loss.

Byard, who was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by Tennessee, played under Mike Vrabel, now the Patriots coach, with the Titans from 2018-2023, making a pair of Pro Bowl appearances. He was traded to Philadelphia during the 2023 season, months before Vrabel was fired.

Over 10 NFL seasons with the Titans, Eagles and Bears, Byard has amassed 972 tackles, 36 interceptions, 81 pass breakups, 24 tackles for loss, six sacks, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He’s never missed a game due to injury and has started every game since midway through his rookie season, starting 155 of his 164 career games.

–Field Level Media