One of the Chicago Bears' team captains is officially moving on. Safety Kevin Byard is signing a one-year deal worth $9 million, according to multiple reports. He reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel, who he was with during his days with the Tennessee Titans.Byard signed a two-year deal with the Bears in 2024 and quickly became a key leader in the locker room. After a frustrating 2024 season. Byard played a major role in the team's 11-6 record and NFC North division title. Byard led the league with seven interceptions and totaled 93 tackles (four for loss) and eight pass breakups. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors and made his third Pro Bowl.While both Byard and the Bears were hopeful a deal would come together, the writing appeared to be on the wall when Chicago signed safety Coby Bryant to a three-year deal. Byard told NFL reporter Josina Anderson it was either Chicago or New England, and he reunites with Vrabel in the end.The departure, while it was expected, was still tough for Bears fans. And many believe at $9 million that Chicago should have been able to make that work. Here is how fans reacted to the news:NFL world reacts to Kevin Byard signing with PatriotsAnother Bear free agent gone, cashing in on a strong 2025 season. Drafting a safety high is must now in April. https://t.co/FXYKN2eSN4 BearsFanSteven (@BearsFanSteven) March 11, 2026Thanks for everything, Byard. Man was a ballhawk but the need for speed in the backend is apparent.My dreams for Emmanuel McNeil-Warren move one step closer to reality. https://t.co/3mPE5cpQBR Motivated Grim Cutty (@iamcogs) March 11, 2026#Bears wanted to get younger and faster. Writing was on the wall with the Coby Bryant signing. #Bears have a big leadership presence void to fill. https://t.co/nN9JzqdGc0 Sky Kruse (@KruseSports_) March 11, 2026Sucks to see our guy @KevinByard go. But, happy for him at the same time. His show, Intercepted, was a staple the last two seasons on The REKAP. The best dude. Big leadership void with his departure. https://t.co/tVlI2HNrZv Ryan McGuffey (@RyanMcGuffey) March 11, 2026Im surprised the Bears didnt match this https://t.co/1X4R9rN4BE Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) March 11, 2026Good landing spot for Byard, but it hurts seeing Byard leave. He far exceeded his contract value. One of Poles' best signings https://t.co/qE5FjJ8Ocu Blake (@SoldierFieldBlg) March 11, 2026Dang. I wouldve loved to keep Kevin Byard on that deal. Not much money at all.Wish him the best of luck. Coby Bryant is the better long-term move for the #Bears, but thats great value for the Patriots. https://t.co/3plM5EavX5 Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 11, 2026Dang thats a nice move. Why couldnt the Bears match it? https://t.co/lQqCutT4Gh Nico (@elitetakes_) March 11, 2026Best of luck to Kevin Byard https://t.co/nUKsJvcE1n DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) March 11, 2026Ugh. https://t.co/g5vBgK4RrW DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 11, 2026Im gonna miss Byard man, Patriots getting a real leader of men. https://t.co/bFfdNHnBWg BearsShowYo (@BearsShowYo) March 11, 2026Byard to the Pats. Writing was on the wall with the Bryan signing. True pro. The Pats got a good one. #Bears#Patriotshttps://t.co/ZC8JguMYAZ Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) March 11, 2026I feel like we really could of afforded this.Really shocked to see him leave after what both him and poles said at the end of the year.Him and Coby Bryant would of been NASTY https://t.co/frofioKPfY Burns (@therealburns3) March 11, 2026What an excellent signing for defending AFC champs Patriots. Kevin Byard: leader and ballhawk.Since 2016 when he entered NFL, no player has more interceptions than Kevin Byard (36) https://t.co/O5JSlfsYIi Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 11, 2026Writing was on the wall when Bears signed Coby Bryant.Surprised Byard settled for a one year deal, but when the market wasnt moving Im guessing he prioritized going to a playoff contender over a multi-year deal elsewhere.Wish him all the best in NE. Elite leader in every https://t.co/v9upMGe9ZZ Kirsten Tanis (@Kirsten_Tanis1) March 11, 2026Damn that hurts. Couldve easily done this. https://t.co/2s1xLrftkw (@2KEVlN) March 11, 2026Thank you to @KevinByardTons of memories. Always a legend here in Chicago. We will miss you brother. Good luck in New England. Will be rooting for you!!- cream https://t.co/fyl0mHxRm8 Cream sleeve (@CSleeve16374) March 11, 2026Ugh genuinely wanted to bring Byard back https://t.co/LjgFo8I2LR BearsEmpire (@BearsEmpire_) March 11, 2026Awesome landing spot for Byard. Appreciate your service, 31 https://t.co/dG5L1dxEMM Joey Sangwich (@JoeySangwich_) March 11, 2026This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL world reacts to Kevin Byard signing with Patriots