Ben Johnson on Facing Kevin Byard for First Time Since Bears Exit

There's going to be a reunion of sorts when the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots face off on Thursday Night Football. 

It's the first time the Bears will see Kevin Byard since the team let him go in free agency this offseason. After the Bears decided not to give him a contract extension, Byard reunited with a familiar face. 

Byard joined the Patriots in free agency. The Patriots are coached by Mike Vrabel, who coached Byard from 2019-2023 with the Tennessee Titans. 

He spent the first eight years of his career with the Titans, most of them under Vrabel. Byard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles halfway through the 2023 season and joined the Bears in 2024. 

He was with Bears head coach Ben Johnson for only one year, but Byard made a significant impact. Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions and also had 93 total tackles with four TFLs. 

It was hard to see Byard go because he was a locker-room leader for the Bears and a great example to his teammates. 

Johnson wasn't asked specifically about Byard at a recent press conference, but he made sure to shout out the former Bears safety. It's clear that Johnson still has a lot of respect for him. 

"You know, I love Kevin Byard and what he brings to the table," Johnson said. "You can tell he really fits their well in terms of the communication and what they're asking him to do." 

Losing Byard was a big blow to the Bears' defense. They also lost Jaquan Brisker in free agency, so they had to find two new starting safeties. Brisker returned to his home state to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

General Manager Ryan Poles went to work, found Coby Bryant in free agency, and then drafted Dillon Thieneman with the 25th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Unfortunately, Bryant suffered a significant knee injury in training camp and is still out for the next couple of months.

Thieneman has lived up to the hype so far. The Bears have really enjoyed his versatility in the secondary, especially now that Bryant's scary injury has knocked him out for most of the season. 

Thieneman has 39 total tackles, one sack, two TFLs and one interception in six games. Thieneman is no Byard, but he was a great find by the Bears in the draft. 

For Byard, he has 26 total tackles so far this season. It's no surprise the Patriots are using him to his full potential. Byard proved that he is still an elite player despite his age. 

Confusing Byard and the Patriots' defense will be no easy task. Thursday's game is set for a 7:15 p.m. CT kickoff on Prime Video. 

It'll be great to see Byard interact with his former teammates at Soldier Field. There's no doubt the Bears faithful will enjoy seeing him again too.