Bears Lose All-Pro Safety to $9 Million Deal With Patriots

Chicago's top free agent Kevin Byard III signs with AFC contender New England.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Chicago Bears are losing their All-Pro starting safety Kevin Byard III to the New England Patriots, who have agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with the 2025 NFL interceptions leader. Byard, a 32-year-old veteran, had a standout 2025 season with the Bears, earning first-team All-Pro and his third Pro Bowl selection. However, the Bears signaled Byard's departure by signing Seattle Seahawks free safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million deal earlier this month.

Why it matters

Byard's departure is a significant loss for the Bears' defense, as he was a key playmaker and leader in the secondary. The Bears will now have to find a way to replace his production and veteran presence in the defensive backfield.

The details

Byard started every game for the Bears over the past two seasons after signing a two-year, $15 million contract in 2024. In 2025, he recorded 93 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, and a league-leading seven interceptions. Despite his All-Pro performance, the Bears decided to move on from Byard and invest in Coby Bryant, signing the former Seahawks standout to a three-year, $40 million deal.

  • Byard signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Bears in 2024.
  • In 2025, Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
  • On March 9, 2026, the Bears signed Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract.
  • On March 11, 2026, Byard agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the New England Patriots.

The players

Kevin Byard III

A 32-year-old All-Pro safety who spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears, leading the NFL in interceptions in 2025.

Coby Bryant

A standout free safety who the Bears signed to a three-year, $40 million contract after Byard's departure.

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears, who said the team wanted to re-sign Byard but ultimately decided to invest in Bryant instead.

Courtney Cronin

An ESPN reporter who commented on the Bears' loss of Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright from their secondary.

Tom Pelissero

An NFL Network reporter who broke the news of Byard's one-year, $9 million contract with the New England Patriots.

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What they’re saying

“[The] Bears lose their interceptions and locker room leader ot the Patriots.”

— Courtney Cronin, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

“Bears GM Ryan Poles said this offseason that Byard was a player the team wanted to re-sign after 2 seasons. But after paying a premium for Coby Bryant, it appears Chicago wasn't willing to keep spending at safety.”

— Courtney Cronin, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Bears will need to find a way to replace Byard's production and leadership in the secondary, either through the draft, free agency, or internal development of their existing players.

The takeaway

The loss of All-Pro safety Kevin Byard III is a significant blow to the Bears' defense, as he was a key playmaker and leader in the secondary. The team's decision to invest in Coby Bryant instead of retaining Byard suggests they are prioritizing a long-term rebuild over immediate contention, which could have implications for their competitiveness in the 2026 season.