Just 12 Hours After Stefon Diggs Left, Patriots Bid Farewell to Veteran Star - A Key Contributor to Special Teams

Foxborough, MA – 03/12/2026 – Just three hours after signing a one-year, $9 million contract with the New England Patriots, superstar safety Kevin Byard immediately sent an inspiring message to all the team’s fans. Byard, a three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, couldn’t hide his excitement about joining a team with such a rich history like the Patriots, while also expressing confidence in the team’s future potential. “The Patriots are a team with a great tradition, and I’m extremely proud to become a part of this team. I believe that with the strength of the team and Coach Vrabel’s vision, we’ll continue to rise and win big. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team reach new heights!” – Kevin Byard shared in a message to New England fans. What stands out, however, is that Byard’s decision to join the Patriots wasn’t just based on the team’s strength but also on his long-standing relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him for six years at the Tennessee Titans. According to NFL Network, Byard revealed that a late-night conversation with Vrabel was the deciding factor in his choice to sign with the Patriots instead of the Chicago Bears. The conversation with Vrabel, who helped Byard develop strongly throughout his career, created a strong connection between the two. “We talked about the future of the team and how we could work together to bring the Patriots back to glory. Vrabel is a great coach, and I really trust in his abilities,” Byard added. Byard joins the Patriots right after completing an outstanding season with the Chicago Bears, where he led the NFL in interceptions (7). This is a fantastic "steal" for the Patriots, adding one of the top safeties in the league who will immediately strengthen the team’s defense, especially the secondary. Byard will also serve as an ideal mentor for Craig Woodson, a standout rookie for the Patriots last season. In addition, he will join a defense that is developing strongly under the leadership of Mike Vrabel, who helped the team make a powerful comeback with a 14-3 record and an AFC championship last season. Byard shared that, even though he joined the Patriots after a successful season with the Bears, his belief in the Patriots’ culture and roster, along with the close connection with Coach Vrabel, made him feel confident in making the right decision for his career.