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Patriots’ Kevin Byard still a top 10 safety after Mike Vrabel reunion, per analysts appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
In an effort to return to and win the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots signed Kevin Byard in free agent. Now reunited with head coach Mike Vrabel, the safety is expected to be a key piece of New England’s secondary.
The 2026 season will mark Byard’s 11th in the league. But the safety remains considered amongst the league’s best, being ranked seventh overall by Eva Geitheim, Karl Rasmussen and Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated.
“At 32, Byard remains one of the best safeties in the game, earning first-team All-Pro honors for the third time in his career in 2025,” the trio wrote. “Playing for a Bears defense that forced more turnovers than any other team, Byard was a catalyst as he led the league in interceptions, picking off seven passes. He has been one of the premier ball hawks throughout his career, leading the league in interceptions in two different seasons. Only one active player, Harrison Smith, has more career picks than Byard.”
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In his final season with the Chicago Bears, Byard put up 93 tackles, eight passes defended and a league-leading seven tackles. He earned a 74.2 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 15th/98 safeties. Furthermore, Byard was named to the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro for the third time in his career.
The Patriots finished their 2025 season ranked ninth in pass defense, allowing 193.5 yards per game. However, their 10 interceptions were tied for sixth-fewest in the NFL. Assuming Byard keeps up his ball hawking identity, New England will expect their ranking to go up.
Alongside his work on the field, the safety is a respected veteran across the league. As the Patriots try to hoist the Lombardi, his guidance will be crucial in their quest.
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