Byard, who previously led the NFL in picks and threw a TD pass as a sophomore in Nashville, now reconvenes in Foxborough as part of a safety depth chart featuring Craig Woodson, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler and John Saunders Jr. under contract.

Kevin Byard has reportedly signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. That's not the only move that leaves the Bears with a role to fill on defense.

The New England Patriots have been busy during the early stages of NFL free agency, primarily acquiring new pieces to support young star quarterback Drake Maye. Now, the Patriots are hoping to create more turnovers with a key addition to the secondary.

It’s telling that some of the 49ers’ free agents, like Jauan Jennings and Brian Robinson Jr., haven’t inked deals yet. Those are the kinds of players that usually sign on Wednesday or Thursday after the first initial wave has passed.