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Just 3 Hours After Signing From Chicago Bears, All-Pro Superstar Kevin Byard Immediately Sends a Message to All of New England – Reveals That a Late-Night Conversation With Coach Vrabel Was the Reason He Chose the Patriots

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.

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“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.

 
 
 

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Former Patriots Star Says He’ll Always Be a Bear — Hopes to return in New England One Day
Foxborough, Massachusetts – 03/12/2026 – Although K'Lavon Chaisson has officially parted ways with the New England Patriots to join the Washington Commanders on a one-year, $12 million deal, he made it clear that his connection to the team will never truly disappear. Chaisson stated that the Patriots will always be home for him, even as he moves on to a new team. “Even though I’m no longer here, I will always consider myself a Patriot for life. New England gave me some of the best years of my career. And one day, if the Patriots need me, I’ll be ready to wear that green and silver jersey again.” – Chaisson shared this message with New England fans on his departure day. Chaisson joined the Patriots on a one-year contract last season, and he quickly proved his worth. He had a career-high 7.5 sacks, along with 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. He also scored his first defensive touchdown from a fumble recovery. Throughout the 2025 season, Chaisson continued to make significant contributions in both pass rush and run defense, helping the team advance deep into the playoffs. He recorded 6-8 QB hits and over 50 pressures, contributing solidly to the team's overall success, especially in the playoff games. Although he didn’t have a particularly high PFF grade (60.4), Chaisson demonstrated impressive effectiveness, particularly in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He recorded 3 sacks over 4 playoff games, including 2 key sacks in the wild-card matchup against the Chargers. Chaisson and the Patriots made it to Super Bowl LX, where they faced off against the Seattle Seahawks. Although the team was unable to win, Chaisson still left a significant mark on the journey. His departure is a major loss for the Patriots, but also a strategic addition for the Commanders. Even though he has left the Patriots, Chaisson holds a deep affection for the team. He hopes that one day he will return, and if the Patriots need him, he is ready to come back and continue contributing to the team that he will always consider home.

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