The Chicago Bears lost a key piece of their team, both on the field and in the locker room, as veteran safety Kevin Byard departed for the New England Patriots.
Byard has agreed to reunite with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who coached him when they were both with the Tennessee Titans, and he will be joining the AFC Champions on a one-year deal worth $9 million.
While Chicago loses a veteran who played at a high level last season, leading the NFL in interceptions, it sounds like the decision came down to the wire as Byard made his decision. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, Byard had his choice of two teams.
“It was either the Bears or the Patriots,” Byard told Anderson. “And you know I have a relationship with Coach Vrabes; and New England it is.”
The Bears ultimately could not get a deal done with Byard, who now departs for the AFC East and looks to help the Patriots defense build off of their Super Bowl appearance last season. But Chicago has already found his replacement in former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant, who signed with the Bears on the first day of negotiations.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Did Kevin Byard choose the Patriots over the Bears?
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
