Patriots sign All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, lose K'Lavon Chaisson to Commanders ahead of new league year
The New England Patriots were busy Wednesday in the final hours before the new league year got underway.
According to multiple reports, head coach Mike Vrabel reunited with safety former Bears safety Kevin Byard, who he coached with the Titans. Byard reportedly agreed to a 1-year, $9 million contract, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Byard is a three-time All-Pro selection.
New England safety Jaylinn Hawkins, meanwhile, is departing to sign a 2-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Patriots made another defensive addition on Wednesday. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the team agreed to sign Dolphins linebacker K.J. Britt to a 1-year contract.
In another departure, the Washington Commanders are signing Patriots edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contracts could not become official until the new league year began at 4 p.m.
Chaisson's deal for next season is worth $12 million, with $10.3 million guaranteed, according to Athletes First, the agency that represents him. He is the second pass-rushing specialist joining the team after Odafe Oweh agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract earlier this week.
Chaisson, who turns 27 on July 25, was a 2020 first-round draft pick of Jacksonville who helped New England reach the Super Bowl last season. He had 7 1/2 sacks in 16 regular-season games, then three more during the Patriots' four-game playoff run.
Schefter reported that the Patriots are cutting linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
It seemed clear last season that Jennings was not a fit in Vrabel's defensive system. There were reports that Jennings was on the trade block or could be cut, but he remained on the roster and ended up becoming a contributor for the remainder of the season.
Overall, Jennings played 14 regular season games and had two sacks. He had another two sacks in the playoffs as New England made its run to the Super Bowl.