NASHVILLE – The Titans traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Byard, a third-round draft pick of the team in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Middle Tennessee State, will go down as one of the most popular and productive players in franchise history.
“I want to thank Kevin and Clarke for what they have meant to the Titans family and our community,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “Kevin was a role model for leadership on and off the field and always set a wonderful example for his teammates and others. His phenomenal play and tireless charitable efforts have earned him a special and lasting place in our hearts. Kevin will always be a titan, and we wish him all the best for this year and the years to come.”
The Titans received two draft picks – a fifth- and a sixth-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft – and safety Terrell Edmunds in exchange for Byard.
The trade is still pending.
“I have not known Kevin long, but I have gained great respect for him as a player and as a person,” Titans general manager Ran Carthon said in a statement. “I would like to thank him for his professionalism on and off the field and for what he gave to this team every day. He is the epitome of a professional. I wish him all the best.”
Byard recorded 27 career interceptions with the Titans, but none in six games of the 2023 season. He is a four-time team captain and two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro by the Associated Press for two seasons.
“I want to thank Kevin for what he means to me personally and to this team,” Titans coach Mike Vrabel said in a statement. “When I arrived, he helped bring a new message to the locker room and establish the mindset and work ethic we wanted to instill throughout the team. His play on the field speaks for itself. He is an intelligent and athletic player who led the team in second place and helped us win many games. Kevin and Clarke and the children mean a lot to me and I wish them every success in whatever lies ahead.”
Edmunds, a first-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft, played with the Steelers from 2018 to 2022 before joining the Eagles this offseason.
Edmunds has 410 career tackles and five interceptions in six NFL seasons. Edmunds has appeared in seven games for the Eagles in 2023, including two starts, and is credited with 28 tackles.
The Titans return to action on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Nissan Stadium.