 Byard with theTennessee Titans in 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| No. 31 – Chicago Bears | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Safety | ||||||||||||||||
| Roster status | Active | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1993-08-17)August 17, 1993 (age 32) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Listed weight | 218 lb (99 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||
| High school | Martin Luther King Jr. (Lithonia, Georgia) | ||||||||||||||||
| College | Middle Tennessee (2011–2015) | ||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2016: 3rd round, 64th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
Kevin Leon Byard III[1] (born August 17, 1993) is an American professionalfootballsafety for theChicago Bears of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theMiddle Tennessee Blue Raiders[2] and was selected by theTennessee Titans in the third round of the2016 NFL draft. In 2017, his second season in the NFL, Byard was selected to thePro Bowl and was named the first-teamAll-Pro after co-leading the NFL ininterceptions and leading the NFL in takeaways with 10 (eight interceptions and twofumble recoveries). He was traded to thePhiladelphia Eagles in 2023 before joining the Bears the following season. Byard led the NFL in interceptions again in 2025.
Byard was born on August 17, 1993, inPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania. After his parents divorced when he was 14, Byard moved toAtlanta,Georgia with his mother and siblings.[3] Byard attendedMartin Luther King Jr. High School inLithonia, Georgia, where he participated infootball and track.[4]
Byard played for theMiddle Tennessee State Blue Raiders ofMiddle Tennessee State University from 2012 to 2015.[5] He wasredshirted in 2011. Byard earned Honorable Mention All-Conference USA honors in 2013. In 2014 and 2015, he was named First-team All-Conference USA. Byard's 19 career interceptions are the most in school history.[6] He graduated from Middle Tennessee in May 2015 with a degree in liberal studies.[7]
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | GP | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Cmb | TfL | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF | ||||||
| 2011 | Middle Tennessee | Sun Belt | FR | DB | 0 |  Redshirt | |||||||||||||
| 2012 | Middle Tennessee | Sun Belt | FR | DB | 12 | 48 | 26 | 74 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4 | 167 | 41.8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | Middle Tennessee | CUSA | SO | S | 13 | 61 | 45 | 106 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 5 | 159 | 31.8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | Middle Tennessee | CUSA | JR | S | 12 | 44 | 28 | 72 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 6 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2015 | Middle Tennessee | CUSA | SR | S | 11 | 43 | 23 | 66 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 4 | 50 | 12.5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 48 | 196 | 122 | 318 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 19 | 377 | 19.8 | 4 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | ||||
On November 22, 2015, Byard announced onTwitter that he had accepted his invitation to play in the2016 Senior Bowl.[8] During the week leading up to the Senior Bowl, Byard was impressive during practices as he displayed his ball-hawking and athletic ability. Byard met with representatives from theAtlanta Falcons during the week.[9] He was not one of the 60 defensive backs invited to theNFL Combine. On March 31, 2016, Byard participated at Middle Tennessee'spro day, along with 18 other teammates, and was the top prospect participating with representatives and scouts from 24 NFL teams attending. He surprised many scouts and analysts with a 4.46 and 4.50 in the40-yard dash as many scouting reports listed speed as one of his weaknesses. Byard met with representatives from theOakland Raiders,Detroit Lions, andTennessee Titans during his pro day.[10][11] He had official private visits or workouts with 12 NFL teams, including theMiami Dolphins,Green Bay Packers,Cleveland Browns, Titans, andLos Angeles Rams.[12] At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Byard received many mixed draft projections from draft experts and scouts, with some (DraftScout.com) projecting him to be a third or fourth round pick to others (NFL.com) projecting him to be drafted in the sixth or seventh round. Byard was ranked the fifth best strong safety prospect in the draft by DraftScout.com.[13]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | Wingspan | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft11+1⁄4 in (1.81 m) | 212 lb (96 kg) | 33+1⁄2 in (0.85 m) | 9+7⁄8 in (0.25 m) | 6 ft5+3⁄8 in (1.97 m) | 4.46 s | 1.61 s | 2.64 s | 4.15 s | 6.73 s | 38.0 in (0.97 m) | 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) | 22 reps |
| All values fromMiddle Tennessee State'sPro Day[14][15] | ||||||||||||
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Titans select Kevin Byard No. 64 overall |
TheTennessee Titans selected Byard in the third round (64th overall) of the2016 NFL draft.[16][17] He was the 24th player ever drafted from Middle Tennessee State and the highest player drafted from there sinceTyrone Calico (second round, 60th overall) in2003, who was also drafted by the Titans.[18] Byard was the fifth safety selected in the draft.[19]
On July 18, 2016, the Titans signed Byard to a four-year, $3.63 millionrookie contract with an initialsigning bonus of $897,060.[20]
Byard enteredtraining camp as a candidate to earn a starting safety role following the departure ofMichael Griffin, but had to compete against veteransRashad Johnson andDa'Norris Searcy under defensive coordinatorDick LeBeau.[21][22] During training camp,Daimion Stafford began taking over first-team reps from Byard and Searcy.[23] Head coachMike Mularkey named him a backup to begin the season, behind starting safeties Rashad Johnson and Da'Norris Searcy and primary backup Daimion Stafford.[24][25][26]
Byard made his professional regular season debut in the season-opening 25–16 loss to theMinnesota Vikings and made five solo tackles.[27] During Week 9 against theSan Diego Chargers, Byard collected a season-high 10 combined tackles and a pass deflection in the 43–35 road loss.[28] His playing time increased after Rashad Johnson suffered a neck injury and was subsequently inactive for two games (Weeks 8–9). After performing well, he supplanted Johnson as the starting free safety. Byard earned his first career start in Week 10 against theGreen Bay Packers and finished the 47–25 victory with seven solo tackles and made his first career sack onAaron Rodgers for an eight-yard loss.[29] Although Johnson returned from injury in Week 10, Byard remained the starting free safety for the last seven games of the season.
Byard finished his rookie year with 58 combined tackles (44 solo), a sack, and four pass deflections in 16 games and seven starts.[30] He also finished second on the team with 10 special teams tackles.[31] Byard received an overall grade of 62.5 fromPro Football Focus as a rookie in 2016.[32]
Byard entered training camp slated as thede facto free safety after they opted not to re-sign Rashad Johnson.[33] Head coach Mike Mularkey named Byard the starting free safety to begin the regular season.[34]
During the season-opening 26–16 loss to theOakland Raiders, Byard recorded a team-high eight combined tackles (tied withWesley Woodyard).[35] In the next game against theJacksonville Jaguars, he had six tackles and a pass deflection during the 37–16 road victory.[36] The following week against theSeattle Seahawks, Byard once again recorded six tackles and a pass deflection in the 33–27 victory.[37]
During Week 4 against theHouston Texans, Byard recorded a season-high nine combined tackles (four solo), two pass deflections, and made his first career interception from a pass thrown byDeshaun Watson to wide receiverDeAndre Hopkins in the 57–14 road loss.[38] In the next game against theMiami Dolphins, Byard had five tackles and a fumble recovery during the 16–10 road loss.[39] Two weeks later against theCleveland Browns, he recorded four tackles, three pass deflections, and a career-high three interceptions off passes byDeShone Kizer andCody Kessler in the 12–9 overtime road victory.[40] Byard was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[41]
Following a Week 8 bye, the Titans returned home to face theBaltimore Ravens. Byard finished the 23–20 victory with four solo tackles, three pass deflections, and two interceptions off passes byJoe Flacco.[42] Byard became the fifth player in NFL history to record five interceptions in a two-game span joiningDeAngelo Hall (2010),Albert Lewis (1985),Willie Buchanon (1978), andMike Haynes (1976).[43] In the next game against theCincinnati Bengals, he recorded six tackles and two pass deflections during the 24–20 victory.[44]
During a Week 12 20–16 road victory over theIndianapolis Colts, Byard recorded five tackles and a fumble recovery.[45] Byard received a grade of 89.9 fromPro Football Focus which was the third highest grade among safeties through the first 12 games, only behindHarrison Smith (94.2) andAdrian Amos (92.3).[46] In the next game against the Texans, he tied his season high of nine combined tackles and also deflected a pass during the 24–13 victory.[47] During the regular season finale against the Jaguars, Byard recorded six combined tackles, two pass deflections, and had two interceptions on passes thrown byBlake Bortles in the 15–10 victory.[48][49] Byard earned his second AFC Defensive Player of the Week award of the season for his performance.[50]
Byard finished his second professional season with 87 combined tackles (62 solo), 16 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and led the league in interceptions with eight in 16 games and starts.[51] Byard was named first-teamAll-Pro.[52] Pro Football Focus had him finish the season with an overall grade of 87.0 in 2017.[32] The Titans finished second in theAFC South with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #5-seed.[53] During theWild Card Round against theKansas City Chiefs, Byard started in his first NFL playoff game and recorded five solo tackles in the 22–21 comeback road victory.[54] In theDivisional Round againstNew England Patriots, Byard had 10 tackles during the 35–14 road loss.[55] On January 21, 2018, Byard earned his first careerPro Bowl selection to appear in the2018 Pro Bowl as an injury replacement after Bills' safetyMicah Hyde bowed out due to a concussion.[56][57] Byard was also ranked 80th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[58]
On January 20, 2018, the Titans hired formerHouston Texans defensive coordinatorMike Vrabel to be their new head coach following the departure ofMike Mularkey.[59] New defensive coordinatorDean Pees opted to retain Byard as a starting safety, and Vrabel named Byard the starting strong safety to begin the season and paired him with free safetyKenny Vaccaro.[60]
During the season-opening 27–20 road loss to the Dolphins, Byard had three solo tackles and a pass deflection.[61] In the next game against the Texans, he recorded a team-high eight combined tackles (seven solo) and threw a 66-yard touchdown to rookie cornerbackDane Cruikshank on a fake punt on the Titans' opening drive during the first quarter of the 20–17 victory.[62][63] Two weeks later against thePhiladelphia Eagles, Byard had a season-high 11 combined tackles (nine solo) in the 26–20 overtime victory.[64]
During Week 6 against the Ravens, Byard recorded five tackles, a pass deflection, and his first interception of the season off of Joe Flacco in the 21–0 shutout loss.[65] Three weeks later against theDallas Cowboys onMonday Night Football, he had five tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass byDak Prescott to wide receiverAmari Cooper in the endzone during the 28–14 road victory.[66] After the pick, Byard celebrated on the Dallas Cowboys' star logo at midfield. The celebration was widely publicized as it resembledTerrell Owens' infamous celebration from the early 2000s.[67] Byard was fined $10,026 for the celebration.[68] In the next game against the Patriots, he recorded four tackles and a pass deflection during the 34–10 victory.[69]
During a Week 11 38–10 road loss to the Colts, Byard had a team-high nine combined tackles (tied withAdoree' Jackson).[70] Three weeks later against the Jaguars onThursday Night Football, he recorded three tackles and his first sack of the season on Cody Kessler in the 30–9 victory.[71] In the next game against theNew York Giants, Byard had five tackles, two pass deflections, set a career-high with his second sack of the season, and intercepted a pass byEli Manning to wide receiverRussell Shepard during the 17–0 shutout road victory.[72][73]
During Week 16 against theWashington Redskins, Byard recorded nine tackles, tied his season-high of two pass deflections, and secured the 25–16 comeback victory by intercepting a pass attempt byJosh Johnson to wide receiverJosh Doctson near the end of the fourth quarter.[74][75] In the regular-season finale against the Colts onSunday Night Football, Byard had 10 tackles during the 33–17 loss.[76]
Byard finished the 2018 season with 90 combined tackles (62 solo), a career-high two sacks, eight pass deflections, and four interceptions.[77] His overall grade from Pro Football Focus was 88.4 in 2018.[32][78]
On July 24, 2019, the Titans signed Byard to a five-year, $70.5 million contract extension with $31 million guaranteed, $25.22 million guaranteed upon signing, and an initialsigning bonus of $9 million, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history.[79][80] He entered training camp slated as thede facto starting free safety. Head coachMike Vrabel named Byard the startingfree safety to start the season and paired him with Kenny Vaccaro.[81]
During the season-opening 43–13 road victory over the Browns, Byard had two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and his first interception of the season off ofBaker Mayfield.[82] Three weeks later against theAtlanta Falcons, Byard recorded seven tackles and a pass deflection in the 24–10 road victory.[83]
During Week 5 against theBuffalo Bills, Byard recorded five tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass byJosh Allen to wide receiverCole Beasley in the 14–7 loss.[84] In the next game against theDenver Broncos, Byard had a season-high six solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception off a pass by Joe Flacco that had ricochet off tight endNoah Fant's back during the 16–0 shutout road loss.[85] The following week against theLos Angeles Chargers, Byard recorded six tackles and a pass deflection in the 23–20 victory.[86]
During a Week 9 30–20 road loss to theCarolina Panthers, Byard had four tackles and a pass deflection.[87] Three weeks later against the Jaguars, he recorded a season-high nine combined tackles (four solo) in the 42–20 victory.[88] In the next game against the Colts, Byard had two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception off ofJacoby Brissett during the 31–17 road victory.[89] During the regular-season finale against the Texans, Byard tied his season-high of six solo tackles (seven combined), deflected a pass, and helped secure the 35–14 road victory with a late fourth quarter interception off a pass byA. J. McCarron to tight endJordan Akins.[90]
Byard finished the 2019 season with 84 combined tackles (60 solo), five interceptions, and nine pass deflections in 16 games and starts.[91] He finished with an overall grade of 79.4 fromPro Football Focus in 2019.[78] The Titans finished the season second in the AFC South with a 9–7 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #6-seed.[92] During theWild Card Round against the Patriots, Byard recorded six tackles in the 20–13 road victory.[93] In theDivisional Round against the Ravens, he had 11 tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass on the Ravens' opening drive that was thrown byLamar Jackson to tight endMark Andrews during the 28–12 road victory.[94][95] During theAFC Championship Game against the Chiefs, Byard recorded four tackles in the 35–24 road loss.[96]
Head coach Mike Vrabel took over duties as the defensive coordinator following the retirement ofDean Pees.[97] Byard returned as the starting free safety and remained alongside strong safety Kenny Vaccaro.[98]
During the season-opening 16–14 road victory over the Broncos onMonday Night Football, Byard had a team-high nine combined tackles (eight solo), a pass deflection, and a forced fumble.[99] Two weeks later against the Vikings, he recorded four tackles and a pass deflection in the narrow 31–30 road victory.[100]
During Week 5 against the Bills onTuesday Night Football, Byard recorded two solo tackles and a pass deflection in the 42–16 victory.[101] Three weeks later against the Bengals, he had seven tackles and a pass deflection during the 31–20 road loss.[102]
During a Week 10 34–17 loss to the Colts onThursday Night Football, Byard had a team-high 10 combined tackles.[103] In the next game against the Ravens, he recorded seven tackles and a pass deflection during the 30–24 overtime road victory.[104] Three weeks later against the Jaguars, Byard had a season-high 11 combined tackles (eight solo) during a 31–10 road victory over the Jaguars.[105]
During Week 15 against theDetroit Lions, Byard tied his season-high of 11 combined tackles (six solo), set a season-high with two pass deflections, and had his lone interception of the season on a pass byChase Daniel in the 46–25 road victory.[106] In the next game against the Packers onSunday Night Football, Byard had a team-high nine combined tackles (tied withDavid Long Jr.) during the 40–14 road loss.[107]
Byard finished the 2020 season with a team-leading 111 combined tackles (79 solo), seven pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble in 16 games and starts.[108] Pro Football Focus had him finish the season with an overall grade of 65.8.[109] The Titans finished atop the AFC South with an 11–5 record and qualified for the playoffs.[110] During theWild Card Round against the Ravens, Byard recorded five tackles and a pass deflection in the 20–13 loss.[111]
On January 29, 2021, outside linebackers coachShane Bowen was promoted to defensive coordinator.[112] Bowen retained Byard as the starting free safety to enter the regular season and paired him withAmani Hooker following the departure ofKenny Vaccaro.[113]
During the season-opening 38–13 loss to theArizona Cardinals, Byard recorded two solo tackles, a pass deflection, and his first interception of the season off ofKyler Murray.[114] Two weeks later against the Colts, Byard had five tackles and two pass deflections in the 28–16 victory.[115] In the next game against theNew York Jets, he recorded six tackles and a pass deflection during the 27–24 overtime road loss.[116]
During Week 5 against the Jaguars, Byard had 11 tackles, two pass deflections, an interception, and scored his first career touchdown after he recovered a fumble that teammateElijah Molden forced by tight endDan Arnold and returned it for a 30-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the Titans' 37–19 road victory.[117][118] In the next game against the Bills onMonday Night Football, Byard recorded two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception during the 34–31 victory.[119] The following week against the Chiefs, he had four solo tackles and a forced fumble in the 27–3 victory.[120]
During a Week 8 34–31 overtime road victory over the Colts, Byard had four solo tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and secured the victory after intercepting a pass byCarson Wentz to wide receiverMichael Pittman in overtime, leading toRandy Bullock's 44-yard game-winning field goal.[121] Byard was later named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for October after recording 27 tackles, seven pass deflections, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and a touchdown on a fumble recovery.[122] In the next game against theLos Angeles Rams, he had three tackles, a pass deflection, and his first career pick-six after intercepting a pass thrown byMatthew Stafford to wide receiverRobert Woods during the 28–16 road victory.[123] The following week against theNew Orleans Saints, Byard recorded five tackles and a pass deflection in the narrow 23–21 victory.[124]
During Week 12 against the Patriots, Byard recorded a season-high 12 combined tackles and his first sack of the season onMac Jones in the 36–13 road loss.[125] Following a Week 13 bye, the Titans returned home to face the Jaguars. Byard finished the 20–0 shutout victory with five tackles and a pass deflection.[126] Two weeks later against theSan Francisco 49ers onThursday Night Football, he had six tackles and a forced fumble in the 20–17 victory.[127]
Byard finished the 2021 season with 88 combined tackles (57 solo), 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack, and a career-high two touchdowns in 17 games and starts.[128] He was named to his secondPro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.[129][130] Byard set a career-high with an overall grade of 90.6 fromPro Football Focus in 2021.[131] The Titans finished atop the AFC South with a 12–5 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #1-seed.[132] In theWild Card Round against the Bengals, Byard had three solo tackles during the 19–16 loss.[133] He was ranked 34th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[134]
Byard entered training camp slated as thede facto starting free safety alongside Amani Hooker.[135] Head coach Mike Vrabel officially named Byard and Hooker the starting safeties to begin the season.[136]
During the season-opener against theNew York Giants, Byard had a season-high 12 combined tackles (eight solo) in the narrow 21–20 loss.[137] Two weeks later against theLas Vegas Raiders, he recorded four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception off ofDerek Carr in the narrow 24–22 victory.[138]
During a Week 9 20–17 loss to the Chiefs onSunday Night Football, Byard tied his season-high of 12 combined tackles (six solo).[139] During Week 13 against the Eagles, Byard had a team-high seven combined tackles (tied withTre Avery andMonty Rice) in the 35–10 road loss.[140] In the next game against the Jaguars, he recorded three solo tackles and two pass deflections during the 36–22 loss.[141]
During Week 15 against the Chargers, Byard recorded five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception off ofJustin Herbert in the 17–14 road loss.[142] In the next game against the Texans, Byard had a team-high nine combined tackles (tied with Monty Rice) during the 19–14 loss.[143] The following week against the Cowboys onThursday Night Football, he recorded six tackles, a season-high two pass deflections, and set a season-high with two interceptions on passes thrown by Dak Prescott in the 27–13 loss.[144]
Byard finished the 2022 season with 108 combined tackles (69 solo), four interceptions, and six pass deflections in 17 games and starts.[145] He led the Titans interceptions and total tackles.[146] Byard received an overall grade of 79.5 from Pro Football Focus in 2022.[147]
On July 21, 2023, the Titans and Byard agreed to restructure the remaining two years of his contract, with Byard signing a new two-year, $25.1 million contract that included a signing bonus of $7 million.[148] He entered training camp slated as thede facto starting free safety. Head coach Mike Vrabel retained Byard and Amani Hooker as the starting safety tandem to begin the regular season.[149]
During the season-opener against the Saints, Byard had a team-high eight combined tackles (tied withElijah Molden) in the narrow 16–15 road loss.[150] In the next game against the Chargers, he recorded a team-high 12 combined tackles (seven solo) during the 27–24 overtime victory.[151] Two weeks later against the Bengals, Byard had six solo tackles and a fumble recovery in the 27–3 victory.[152] During a Week 6 24–16 loss to the Ravens in London, he had 10 tackles.[153]
On October 23, 2023, Byard was traded to thePhiladelphia Eagles in exchange for a fifth-round pick (146th overall) and a sixth-round pick (182nd overall) in the2024 NFL draft along with safetyTerrell Edmunds.[154][155] The Eagles acquired Byard as a replacement forJustin Evans, after he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. Upon his arrival, head coachNick Sirianni named Byard a starting strong safety and paired him with starting free safetyReed Blankenship.
Byard made his Eagles debut in Week 9 against theWashington Commanders and finished the 38–31 road victory with seven tackles.[156] Three weeks later against the Chiefs onMonday Night Football, Byard recorded eight solo tackles, set a season-high with two pass deflections, and had his first interception of the season after picking off a pass thrown byPatrick Mahomes in the endzone to wide receiverJustin Watson during the 21–17 road victory.[157] In the next game against the Bills, Byard had a season-high 13 combined tackles (eight solo) during the 37–34 overtime victory.[158]
During Week 14 against the Cowboys onSunday Night Football, Byard recorded five tackles and a pass deflection in the 33–13 road loss.[159] Three weeks later against the Cardinals, he had 11 tackles in the 35–31 loss.[160]
In 16 games and starts on the Titans and Eagles rosters during the 2023 season, Byard accumulated 122 tackles (80 solo), three pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and an interception.[161] He received an overall grade of 74.0 from Pro Football Focus in 2023.[162] The Eagles finished second in theNFC East with an 11–6 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #5-seed.[163] During theWild Card Round against theTampa Bay Buccaneers, Byard recorded five solo tackles in the 32–9 road loss.[164]
On March 1, 2024, Byard was released by the Eagles.[165]
On March 10, 2024, theChicago Bears signed Byard to a two-year, $15 million contract that included $7.39 million guaranteed upon signing and an initialsigning bonus of $3 million.[166][148]
Byard entered training camp projected to be a starter under defensive coordinatorEric Washington, following the departure of long-time starting free safetyEddie Jackson. Head coachMatt Eberflus named him the starting free safety to begin the season and paired him with strong safetyJaquan Brisker.[167]
Byard made his Bears debut in the season-opener against his former team, theTennessee Titans, and finished the 24–17 comeback victory with two tackles.[168] In the next game against the Texans onSunday Night Football, Byard had a team-high 11 combined tackles (tied withTremaine Edmunds) and a fumble recovery during the 19–13 road loss.[169] The following week against the Colts, he recorded six tackles and a pass deflection in the 21–16 road loss.[170]
During a Week 5 36–10 victory over theCarolina Panthers, Byard had six tackles, a pass deflection, and his only interception of the season on a pass thrown byAndy Dalton to wide receiverJonathan Mingo.[171] In the next game against the Jaguars in London, Byard recorded seven tackles and a pass deflection during the 35–16 victory.[172] Three weeks later against the Cardinals, he had seven tackles, a fumble recovery, and his first sack of the season on Kyler Murray in the 29–9 road loss.[173]
During Week 10 against the Patriots, Byard recorded 11 tackles in the 19–3 loss.[174] In the next game against the Packers, he had a team-high nine combined tackles (four solo) during the narrow 20–19 loss.[175] The following week against the Vikings, Byard recorded a team-high 13 combined tackles (11 solo) in the 30–27 overtime loss.[176]
During a Week 13 23–20 road loss to the Lions onThanksgiving, Byard had a team-high 10 combined tackles (five solo).[177] The next day, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus after falling to a 4–8 record, and offensive coordinatorThomas Brown was appointed to interim head coach for the rest of the season.[178] In the next game against the 49ers, Byard recorded five tackles and a pass deflection during the 38–13 road loss.[179] The following week against the Vikings onMonday Night Football, he had six tackles and a pass deflection in the 30–12 road loss.[180] During the regular-season finale against the Packers, Byard recorded a season-high 14 combined tackles (nine solo) and strip-sackedMalik Willis in the narrow 24–22 road victory.[181]
Byard finished the 2024 season with a career-high 130 combined tackles (80 solo), seven pass deflections, a career-high two sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception.[182] He received an overall grade of 72.8 fromPro Football Focus, which ranked 32nd among 121 qualifying safeties in 2024.[183]
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During Week 3 against the Cowboys, Byard had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and sealed the 31–14 victory after interceptingJoe Milton with less than a minute left on game clock.[184] In the next game against the Raiders, Byard once again recorded seven tackles to go along with two pass deflections and two interceptions off ofGeno Smith during the narrow 25–24 road victory.[185] Three weeks later against the Saints, Byard had two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception in 26–14 victory.[186]
During a narrow Week 11 19–17 road victory over the Vikings, Byard recorded five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.[187] Two weeks later against his former team, the Eagles, Byard had a team-high six combined tackles (tied withJaquan Brisker), a pass deflection, and an interception in the 24–15 road victory.[188] During Week 15 against the Packers, he recorded a season-high nine combined tackles (five solo) in the 22–16 overtime victory.[189] In the regular season finale against the Lions, Byard had a team-high eight combined tackles (tied with Brisker andTremaine Edmunds), a pass deflection, and an interception off ofJared Goff during the 19–16 loss.[190]
Byard finished the 2025 season with 93 combined tackles (61 solo), eight pass deflections, and a league-leading seven interceptions in 17 games and starts.[191] He was named to his thirdPro Bowl.[192] The Bears finished atop theNFC North with an 11–6 record and qualified for the playoffs as the #2-seed.[193]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2016 | TEN | 16 | 7 | 59 | 45 | 14 | 1.0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | TEN | 16 | 16 | 87 | 62 | 25 | 0.0 | 16 | 8 | 130 | 16.2 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018 | TEN | 16 | 16 | 90 | 62 | 28 | 2.0 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0.3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | TEN | 16 | 16 | 84 | 60 | 24 | 0.0 | 9 | 5 | 79 | 15.8 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | TEN | 16 | 16 | 111 | 79 | 32 | 0.0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | TEN | 17 | 17 | 88 | 58 | 30 | 1.0 | 13 | 5 | 66 | 13.2 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 30 | 1 |
| 2022 | TEN | 17 | 17 | 108 | 69 | 39 | 0.0 | 6 | 4 | 57 | 14.3 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | TEN | 6 | 6 | 47 | 30 | 17 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| PHI | 10 | 10 | 75 | 50 | 25 | 0.0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 | CHI | 17 | 17 | 130 | 80 | 50 | 2.0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | CHI | 17 | 17 | 93 | 61 | 32 | 0.0 | 8 | 7 | 91 | 13.0 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 164 | 155 | 972 | 655 | 317 | 6.0 | 81 | 36 | 424 | 11.8 | 35 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 36 | 1 | |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | ||
| 2017 | TEN | 2 | 2 | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | TEN | 3 | 3 | 21 | 15 | 6 | 0.0 | 1 | 1 | 31 | 31.0 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | TEN | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | TEN | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | PHI | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | CHI | 2 | 2 | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 10 | 10 | 59 | 45 | 14 | 0.0 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 31.0 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Byard married his girlfriend, Clarke Conner, in 2018. They had their first child, a daughter, Eliana Rose, on August 22, 2019.[196] Their son, Kevin IV, was born on August 23, 2020.[197] Byard is aChristian.[198]
Byard is also called the “Mayor ofMurfreesboro” as a nickname referencing his college town.[199]
camp172 was invoked but never defined (see thehelp page).
