S Kevin Byard explains why joining Patriots is 'dream scenario'

All-Pro safety Kevin Byard isn't shying away from his belief that playing for the New England Patriots is a "dream scenario."

That's saying a lot for a three-time First-Team All-Pro and reigning interceptions leader in the NFL.

Byard signed a one-year deal to join the Patriots and be reunited with his former head coach, Mike Vrabel, back in March. His arrival is expected to make an already elite secondary even better for New England.

“As you get a little bit older in this league, you want to be able to play for teams that are contenders, but also you want to be in buildings with familiar faces," said Byard. "So, Vrabes, we had kind of had a conversation once free agency started, and I was very happy we were able to get a deal done, and I was able to come back and play for him.”

Byard is expected to be a key piece for the Patriots' defense moving forward. He racked up 93 tackles, eight passes defended and seven interceptions last season with the Chicago Bears.

The Patriots will combine him with promising young safety Craig Woodson to solidify the backend of the defense. Byard has been one of the top safeties in the NFL for years, and now, he'll be joining a top-tier defense that dominated in the playoffs last season.

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