(104.3 The Score) All-Pro safety Kevin Byard is set to leave the Bears and sign with the Patriots on a one-year deal, according to reports Wednesday afternoon.
Byard, 32, enjoyed a stellar 2205 season in Chicago during which he led the NFL with seven interceptions. Byard earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors for the third time in his career.
Byard's departure wasn't a surprise despite the Bears previously stating they hoped to retain him. Earlier in the week, the Bears struck a three-year, $40-million deal to sign 26-year-old safety Coby Bryant, who was a Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks this past season. Bryant played his first four seasons in Seattle.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for TheScoreChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.