The New England Patriots have added a big talent to their secondary on Wednesday as they agreed to terms with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard on a one-year contract. In a trickle-down move, former Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins then quickly signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s break down what the moves mean for the team from a big-picture perspective.
Familiarity
Drafted by the Titans in the third-round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Byard went on to play for Mike Vrabel after the coach was hired from 2018-23.
Byard was the model of consistency throughout that stretch appearing in at least 16 games every season and earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2021. That familiarity should allow for an easy transition into New England’s defense.
Vrabel, who is not big on comparisons, also spoke glowingly of Byard and his personality when asked about captain Hunter Henry last summer.
“Kevin was really confident and comfortable. He never looked stressed,” Vrabel shared. “You would look and see some younger players maybe at the same position and they’d be sweating before the play would start. They were making checks and everything else and running. And Kevin just always had a very calm, confident demeanor and was an excellent player for us. I feel the same about Hunter.”
Added playmaker
While New England’s talented secondary was largely productive last season, improvement was needed in the takeaway department as the backend recorded only seven interceptions in the regular season (four coming from Hawkins). Byard will give the group a proven ballhawk, as his 36 interceptions are the most among active players since he entered the league in 2016.
That production has continued throughout his career as he’s continued to show good range and instincts. Byard’s seven interceptions last season led the league as he earned first-team All-Pro honors.
Future safety moves
At 32 years old, Byard will not be the long-term answer at safety next to Craig Woodson. And with Jaylinn Hawkins departing to Baltimore, the Patriots are now in position to dip into a talented safety draft class and have a perfect bridge plan in Byard, who is still playing at a high-level. That could also open the door for New England to run more three-safety nickel which is something that rarely played last season.
