Career Timeline of Kevin Byard: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kevin Byard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kevin Byard is an American professional football safety, currently playing for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2016 after playing college football for Middle Tennessee. Byard achieved significant recognition in 2017, earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors after co-leading the NFL in interceptions and leading in takeaways. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 before joining the Chicago Bears. Byard also led the NFL in Interceptions again in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 22, 2015: Byard Accepts Senior Bowl Invitation

On November 22, 2015, Kevin Byard announced on Twitter that he had accepted his invitation to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl.

March 31, 2016: Byard Participates in Middle Tennessee Pro Day

On March 31, 2016, Kevin Byard participated at Middle Tennessee's pro day, impressing scouts with his speed and athletic ability.

July 18, 2016: Byard Signs Rookie Contract with the Titans

On July 18, 2016, Kevin Byard signed a four-year, $3.63 million rookie contract with the Tennessee Titans, including a signing bonus of $897,060.

2016: Byard's Rookie Season

In 2016, Kevin Byard finished his rookie season with 58 combined tackles, a sack, and four pass deflections. He received an overall grade of 62.5 from Pro Football Focus.

2016: Byard Drafted by the Tennessee Titans

In 2016, Kevin Byard was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round (64th overall) of the NFL draft.

2017: Byard's Breakout Season

In 2017, Kevin Byard led the league in interceptions with eight, was named first-team All-Pro, and received an overall grade of 87.0 from Pro Football Focus.

January 20, 2018: Titans Hire Mike Vrabel as Head Coach

On January 20, 2018, the Tennessee Titans hired Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, and he named Kevin Byard the starting strong safety.

January 21, 2018: Byard Selected to Pro Bowl

On January 21, 2018, Kevin Byard earned his first career Pro Bowl selection as an injury replacement.

2018: Byard's 2018 Season

In 2018, Kevin Byard finished the season with 90 combined tackles, a career-high two sacks, eight pass deflections, and four interceptions. He received an overall grade of 88.4 from Pro Football Focus.

July 24, 2019: Byard Signs Contract Extension, Becomes Highest-Paid Safety

On July 24, 2019, Kevin Byard signed a five-year, $70.5 million contract extension with the Tennessee Titans, becoming the highest-paid safety in NFL history.

2019: Byard's 2019 Season

In 2019, Kevin Byard finished the season with 84 combined tackles, five interceptions, and nine pass deflections. He received an overall grade of 79.4 from Pro Football Focus.

2020: Byard's 2020 Season

In 2020, Kevin Byard finished the season with a team-leading 111 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 65.8.

January 29, 2021: Shane Bowen Promoted to Defensive Coordinator

On January 29, 2021, Shane Bowen was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Titans, and he retained Kevin Byard as the starting free safety.

2021: Byard's Successful 2021 Season

In 2021, Kevin Byard had a successful season with 88 combined tackles, 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack, and two touchdowns. He was named to his second Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.

2022: Byard's 2022 Season

In 2022, Kevin Byard finished the season with 108 combined tackles, four interceptions, and six pass deflections, leading the Titans in interceptions and total tackles. He received an overall grade of 79.5 from Pro Football Focus.

July 21, 2023: Byard Restructures Contract with the Titans

On July 21, 2023, Kevin Byard and the Titans agreed to restructure his contract with Byard signing a new two-year contract.

October 23, 2023: Byard Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles

On October 23, 2023, Kevin Byard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

2023: Byard's 2023 Season with Titans and Eagles

In 2023, Kevin Byard accumulated 122 tackles, three pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and an interception across both the Titans and Eagles rosters.

March 1, 2024: Byard Released by the Eagles

On March 1, 2024, Kevin Byard was released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

March 10, 2024: Byard Signs with the Chicago Bears

On March 10, 2024, Kevin Byard signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Chicago Bears.

2024: Byard's 2024 Season

In 2024, Kevin Byard finished the season with a career-high 130 combined tackles, seven pass deflections, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and an interception.