NASHVILLE – The Titans have 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 controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "Kevin has been a model of leadership on and off the field, always setting such a wonderful example for teammates and others to follow. 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 well this year and in the years to come."
The Titans are receiving 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 pending physicals.
"I haven't known Kevin long, but I have gained a great deal of respect for him as a player and as a person," Titans General Manager Ran Carthon said in a statement. "I want to thank him for his professionalism both on and off the field and what he gave to this team on a daily basis. He is the definition of a pro's pro. I wish him all the best."
Byard recorded 27 career interceptions with the Titans, but none through six games of the 2023 season. He's a four-time team captain and a two-time Pro Bowl selection, along with being named All-Pro two seasons by the Associated Press.
"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 carry a new message into the locker room and establish the mindset and work ethic we were trying to instill throughout the team. His play on the field speaks for itself. An intelligent and athletic player, he has led the secondary and helped us win a lot of games. Kevin and Clarke and the kids mean a great deal to me, and I wish them success in all that is in front of them."
Edmunds, a first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft, played from 2018-2022 with the Steelers before joining the Eagles this offseason.
Edmunds has 410 career tackles and five interceptions in six NFL seasons. Edmunds has played in seven games for the Eagles in 2023, with two starts, and he's been credited with 28 tackles.
The Titans return to action on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at Nissan Stadium.
