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New England Patriots safety Kevin Byard had a notable season in 2025 that has his name mentioned among the best players at the position this summer.
The Associated Press ranked Byard No. 2 overall in their preseason rankings of the best safeties in the league heading into the 2026 season.
“Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions last season and earned his third All-Pro honors,” AP’s Rob Maaddi said. “…He’s a prototypical modern safety who can be a traditional deep centerfielder, quick and savvy enough to undercut routes in man coverage. He’s also strong against the run.”
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton was the only player to rank ahead of Byard at No. 1 overall. The 32-year-old Byard ranked ahead of Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (No. 3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (No. 4) and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (No. 5).
Byard was a first-team All-Pro honoree in 2025. As he comes off one of the best years of his career last season, and his second leading the league in interceptions, Byard will be expected to play like the top-four safety that he was recognized as being in the All-Pro race last season in 2026 for the Patriots.
He will be in a favorable situation playing under Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, as well as alongside defensive stars Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III next season.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots' Kevin Byard earns top-three ranking among NFL safeties
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The Associated Press ranked Byard No. 2 overall in their preseason rankings of the best safeties in the league heading into the 2026 season.
“Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions last season and earned his third All-Pro honors,” AP’s Rob Maaddi said. “…He’s a prototypical modern safety who can be a traditional deep centerfielder, quick and savvy enough to undercut routes in man coverage. He’s also strong against the run.”
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton was the only player to rank ahead of Byard at No. 1 overall. The 32-year-old Byard ranked ahead of Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (No. 3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (No. 4) and Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (No. 5).
Byard was a first-team All-Pro honoree in 2025. As he comes off one of the best years of his career last season, and his second leading the league in interceptions, Byard will be expected to play like the top-four safety that he was recognized as being in the All-Pro race last season in 2026 for the Patriots.
He will be in a favorable situation playing under Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, as well as alongside defensive stars Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III next season.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots' Kevin Byard earns top-three ranking among NFL safeties
Continue reading...
