Tennessee Titans Trade Kevin Byard to Philadelphia Eagles for Multiple Picks, Terrell Edmunds
The Tennessee Titans are clearly looking towards the future as they sit at 2-4 and it became obvious on Monday when they traded former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return the Titans will receiver a fourth and fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft along with veteran safety Terrell Edmunds.
The news was first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
A tough day for the fan base, Byard has been everything the Titans could ask for. After being drafted in the third round of the 2016 draft, Byard went on to make two pro bowls and get selected twice as an NFL first-team All-Pro.
Byard was not only productive, but he was durable. Byard played in every possible game during his eight-year stint with the Titans, suiting up in 120 contests. During that span, Byard has been one of the best interception artists in the NFL, racking up 27 interceptions, including a league-leading eight picks in 2017.
Byard has forced turnovers, but also been a physical presence. Byard led the team in tackles multiple years while making 674 tackles during his time with the Titans. He added four sacks, four fumble recoveries, 63 passes defended and one defensive touchdown.
Byard's legacy will be respected in major way in Nashville. He has been not only one of the best player's in franchise history, but one of the best people. The "Mayor of Murfreesboro" won't be soon forgotten not just for his play, but his presence in the community.
He will head to Philadelphia now though, back to the city of his birth, to help the Eagles in their championship chase, while the Titans begin down a totally different path. Clearly, this move was made with the future in mind.
Byard likely would not have been back next year at a cap number of $19 million for the Titans, so getting a fifth and sixth rounder back for an asset that was going to leave for nothing was smart, even if tough to do emotionally.
Edmunds comes back in the deal, but his contract is only for this year and he isn't likely to be an important part in the rebuild that is set to take place. For this season though, Edmunds can be needed depth at safety with Byard now gone.
Expect third-year player Elijah Molden to step into a starting role. Molden has done well as the team's third safety when healthy this year. He will need to stay on the field to hold down a spot over the newly-acquired Edmunds.
The goal for the Titans here was to restock the cupboards as draft assets in 2024 were low. The Titans go from six picks to eight and add a fifth and sixth to their first, second, fourth and three sevenths. They accomplished their goal and more moves could be coming.
Related Titans stories
- TITANS TRADE RUMORS: The Tennessee Titans have been receiving trade calls with the NFL trade deadline just a week away, including limited interest in Derrick Henry and one conversation about Treylon Burks. CLICK HERE
- TOM BREW COLUMN: Titans coach Mike Vrabel was inducted into the New England Patriots' Hall of Fame on Saturday. Considering his current struggles with the Titans, the time around former players and coaches who won three Super Bowls with him must have been a good respite. Here is AllTitans.com publisher Tom Brew's column.CLICK HERE
- TRADE DEADLINE DEBATE: Tennessee Titans fans are demanding change as the NFL trade deadline approaches in a few weeks. AllTitans.com writers Tom Brew and Tyler Rowland make some bold predictions on trade options — and a lot of fans may not like it. CLICK HERE
- LEVIS 'MORE COMFORTABLE': Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Will Levis has had an uneventful start to his NFL career, but now with Ryan Tannehill injured, Levis may get an opportunity to come out of the shadows. If he does, Mike Vrabel says you'll see a more comfortable player than the preseason. CLICK HERE
