Panic Button: How Concerning is Kevin Byard's Absence from Titans' OTAs?
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans' summer practice schedule is officially underway. The Titans kicked off organized team activities(OTAs) this week and a number of the team's top players are in attendance such as Ryan Tannehill, Jeffery Simmons and Derrick Henry. However, one major absence is safety Kevin Byard. How worried should fans be about this?
Some level of concern is warranted after the offseason's developments. Byard was asked to take a pay cut by the team. It was originally reported, but eventually confirmed by new general manager Ran Carthon. Byard declined the pay cut.
There was also a rumor that Byard's repsonse was more than just a decline, but that Byard countered with a trade or release request. This rumor was debunked by Carthon, but clearly there is a disconnected between Byard and the team.
Byard had over 100 tackles and four interception last year. He played every game for another season. This is one year after making first team all-pro in 2021. Byard is one of the best safeties in the league and played at a high level in 2022. He is justified in not taking a pay cut.
His absence at OTAs and the offseason news would make it perfectly reasonable for anyone to be concerned about Byard's status. However, based on what Simmons had to say about Byard's absence, it doesn't seem like he's concerned about Byard showing up soon or the impact of his lack of participation.
"It’s not just about what everyone sees," Simmons explained. "KB is a leader and he’s been involved behind the scenes. I know how much he means to this team with his leadership and his play. I’m sure he’ll be here for mandatory minicamp."
That last part is huge. Simmons certainly talks to Byard. He wouldn't say that if he didn't know that was Byard's intention. However, Titans' defensive coordinator Shane Bowen touched on what the Titans' young players lose by not having Byard around.
"It's a business," Bowen proclaimed. "We all understand that. Everybody has a different way about how they train in the offseason. It's no secret some guys do things differently. Some guys are here, some guys aren't. It's not just Kevin. He's a big part of what we do. I will say, I think for the young guys they miss him. I have zero doubt that Kevin Byard is going to be ready to go when he gets here."
It is fair to wonder what will happen, but based on Simmons and Bowen's response, it is no time to panic from Byard's absence. If Byard declines to attend mandatory mini-camp in June and Simmons is proven wrong, then it is time to panic.
UPDATE(5/23 3:05 pm CT): Mike Vrabel says he talked to Kevin Byard over the weekend at a golf course and he "looks good." Also said he knows Byard will be in attendance when the time comes.
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