Titans’ Ryan Tannehill and Kevin Byard Named as “Under-the Radar” Trade Targets

Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and safety Kevin Byard were named as “under-the-radar” trade options in a recent list of NFL players who could be on new teams by the start of next season according to NFL Insider Ari Meirov.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans are in a transition year as new general manager Ran Carthon tries to re-tool a roster left barren by now fired general manager Jon Robinson. We have heard numerous rumors about how Carthon could remake the team, but one path could include trading some of the Titans’ best players over the last few years. According to Ari Meirov of the 33^rd Team, quarterback Ryan Tannehil and safety Kevin Byard are trade options to watch.

Meirov put together an “under-the-radar” list of trade candidates and it is no surprise the Titans have a couple of candidates on it. The Titans’ cap situation is still a mess despite recent free agent signings and most people who take a look at the roster would tell you the Titans should be sellers as they prepare to get a top pick in 2024. Not only would making some trades help the Titans secure that top pick, but it could also bring back some picks for the 2023 NFL Draft to help Carthon jump start his rebuild.

The question is, would the Titans really do it? If the Titans trade Ryan Tannehill and Kevin Byard, they would be signaling to the fan base in plain terms that this team is rebuilding. That would seem to go against the spirit of some public statements made by the Titans’ leadership that indicates they plan to be as competitive as possible in 2023. Maybe any public comments are not to be taken seriously, but it would be a surprise to see the Titans wave the white flag on the year so early even if it is probably the smart thing to do.

Meirov gave sound reasoning about Tannehill’s current situation and some information about what the Titans have been up to during this draft process.

“Ryan Tannehill is entering the final year of his contract and has no guaranteed money left on his deal. New Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon has made a bunch of transactions since taking over, moving on from veterans like Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones, Bud Dupree, Zach Cunningham and Robert Woods. The Titans could move forward with one more year of Tannehill, but they have given no indication he’s their guy for next season. Tennessee has quietly been doing its work on this year’s rookie quarterback class, so we’ll see if the team dabbles in any trade to get one.”

Meriov also mentioned Kevin Byard whose name popped into the news cycle last week when it was revealed that Byard had declined an offer to take a pay cut from the Titans. While Byard’s $19 million cap hit is high, it would still be a shock to see him be dealt. Meirov discussed that possibility.

“As ESPN reported last week, the Titans recently approached Kevin Byard about taking a pay cut, and he told the team he wouldn’t. A third-round pick in 2016, Byard has made two All-Pro teams and has not missed a game in his career. He’s currently set to make $13.6 million in 2023 and is also signed for $13.6 million next season, which is the final year of his contract. It seems to be a stand-off between the two sides, and it’s worth monitoring if a team makes a tempting offer.”

Again, considering the Titans’ current situation you can’t say either of these moves couldn’t happen, but it would still be a surprise for the Titans to jettison two of their best players without logical answers to replace them. Either way, it will be something to monitor as we get closer to the NFL Draft in April. 

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