What happened: The NFL placed Patriots safety Kevin Byard at No. 61 on its Top 100 Players of 2026 list, released via the league's official rankings series. The list is compiled from votes by players across the league recognizing performance from the prior season.

Why it matters: The ranking places Byard among New England's top-rated veterans heading into the 2026 season, adding to a string of recent Top 100 placements for Patriots players this offseason, including the same list that ranked wide receiver A.J. Brown at No. 80.

What to watch: The NFL is expected to continue rolling out its Top 100 Players of 2026 countdown in the coming days.