NFL Rumors: Kevin Byard Traded to Eagles; Titans Get Terrell Edmunds, 2 Draft Picks

The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for another potential playoff run by addressing a major position of need.

The team has reportedly acquired safety Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans for fifth- and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft and safety Terrell Edmunds, per multiple reports.

A.J. Brown, Byard's former teammate in Tennessee, seemed excited by the move:

And his new teammate, offensive tackle Lane Johnson, gave Eagles general manager and executive vice president Howie Roseman his flowers for bringing the star safety to Philadelphia:

Byard, nicknamed "The Mayor of Murfreesboro" dating back to his time at Middle Tennessee State University, is an instant upgrade for Philly's secondary.

The 30-year-old is a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection, registering 47 tackles and a fumble recovery in the 2023 season. Between the 2017-22 seasons, he posted at least four interceptions five times, including a league-leading eight picks in 2017.

But with Tennessee just 2-4 on the season and clearly in the process of transitioning to a younger roster, dealing Byard made sense. And the Eagles were a logical suitor.

While the Eagles have solid starting cornerbacks in Darius Slay Jr. and James Bradberry, injuries to players like slot corner Avonte Maddox and safety Reed Blankenship, among others, left the secondary somewhat in disarray.

The Eagles also lost both starting safeties from last season, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, in free agency. Gardner-Johnson in particular was excellent for the team in 2022, notching six interceptions in 12 games.

The result of those injuries and departures has been a pass defense that has given up 12 passing touchdowns, tied for 28th in the NFL, and only has posted three interceptions. The front seven has been spectacular, holding opponents to 62.9 rushing yards per game (best in the NFL) while posting 24 sacks (third), but the secondary has been an ongoing concern.

That should change with Byard's acquisition. The 6-1 Eagles have added another key piece to the championship puzzle.