Instant grades for Patriots free agency signing Kevin Byard

With less than two hours to go before the official start of NFL free agency, the New England Patriots have added another veteran to their roster. Kevin Byard, a former Tennessee Titans third-round draft pick who was voted first-team All-Pro with the Chicago Bears in 2025, will join the team on a reported one-year, $9 million contract.

Let’s put a grade on the signing based on everything we know so far.

Instant grades: Patriots sign S Kevin Byard

Bernd Buchmasser: The 32-year-old Byard is a bit on the older side, but he has not shown any signs of slowing down. He remains a ballhawking presence in the secondary, is capable of playing the deep field exceptionally well, and was a respected locker room presence in both Tennessee and Chicago. Add the connection to Mike Vrabel and a solid price tag and you get a very good pickup capable of making a major impact. | Grade: A

Pat Lane: The Patriots were in need of more playmakers on defense, and they certainly got one with Byard. He was a first team All-Pro last season, and led the league in interceptions, but he also turns 33 before the season starts. I love the pickup for this season, but I still want them to bring back Jaylinn Hawkins, or draft another safety, to set them up for the future. | Grade: B+

Andrew Guindon: Signing Byard is great for immediate production in the secondary. He’s coming off an AP first-team All-Pro season in 2025 in his tenth season, and that’s the third time in his career Byard’s been elected an All-Pro. The veteran brings substantial experience and can help Craig Woodson blossom. 2026 will be Byard’s age-33 season, so it’s still important to draft a safety or retain Jaylinn Hawkins. | Grade: A-

Matt St. Jean: Safety is an incredibly important position in New England’s defense, and Byard is a perfect fit next to Craig Woodson. Byard has four seasons with five or more interceptions, bringing a playmaking ability to the defensive backfield that is needed. I’m curious what the long-term plan is for the position with Byard on the older side and only signing a one-year deal, but this is a clear improvement over Jaylinn Hawkins in the short term. | Grade: A

What do you think about the Patriots signing Kevin Byard? Do you like the move? Do you not? And how would you grade it? Please head down to the comment section to discuss.