The New England Patriots are signing veteran safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year, $9 million contract, according to The Athletic and NFL Network. Byard, 32, is coming off his third first-team All-Pro honor last season with the Chicago Bears.

The Bears landed Coby Bryant. What does that mean for the future of Kevin Byard III?

It’s telling that some of the 49ers’ free agents, like Jauan Jennings and Brian Robinson Jr., haven’t inked deals yet. Those are the kinds of players that usually sign on Wednesday or Thursday after the first initial wave has passed.