Earlier this offseason, the Chicago Bears decided to revamp their safety room by not renewing the contract of every safety in the room. That included long-time veteran Kevin Byard, who had been with the Bears in 2024 and 2025.
Last season, Byard led the NFL in interceptions with seven and was named a first-team All-Pro for the third time in his career and the first time since 2021. But, Chicago decided to let him go anyway, and he was signed by the New England Patriots to a one-year, $7 million contract.
Now, the Bears get to play against Byard and the Patriots on Thursday Night Football. Byard has played 96 percent of New England’s defensive snaps this season but is still looking for his first interception of the year. Going against former head coach Ben Johnson, Byard also knows Chicago will be dialing up some special plays on offense for prime time.
“I know Ben. Being Thursday night, he’s gonna have some stuff up his sleeve,” Byard said. “It’s a prime-time game. He’s gonna want to show off his expertise on Thursday night.”
Both teams are coming into this game with a 4-2 record. New England started the year slow, particularly on offense. However, quarterback Drake Maye has come alive with 11 total touchdowns in the past three games. Chicago got their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, back last week after missing three games with a hamstring injury. Williams will be looking for his first win on a Thursday in his NFL career.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Patriots' Kevin Byard discusses facing former Bears team in Week 7