Would Kevin Byard Make Sense for Giants if Xavier McKinney Leaves?

With Xavier McKinney set to hit free agency, would a reunion between Kevin Byard and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen make sense?

The New York Giants' decision not to apply a tag to 24-year-old safety Xavier McKinney was surprising, to say the least, at least among the media and fan base who figured the team might look to retain its young and still developing talent like McKinney at all costs.

But that was not the case. The Giants are thought to be looking to gamble that the market won't be as robust for McKinney, who has viewed himself as one of the top safeties in the game and is thought to be looking for financial compensation reflecting that opinion.

Should McKinney depart via free agency, New York should have some options if it wants to go the veteran route. One such option is veteran safety Kevin Byard, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles this past season.

Byard, who in 10 games with the Eagles posted 75 tackles, an interception, and three passes defended, is no stranger to new Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who had him in Tennessee, where Byard was named a first-team All-Pro twice during his seven-plus-year career with the Titans (2017 and 2021).

Why New York Giants Didn't Tag Safety Xavier McKinney

Byard was traded to the Eagles last season for safety Terrell Edmunds and 2024 fifth—and sixth-round picks. Before the trade, Byard had signed a two-year, $25.1 million contract with the Titans that included a $7 million signing bonus, $7 million guaranteed, and an APY of $12.55 million.

The Eagles, who are trying to get their 2024 salary cap in order, saved $13 million in cap space with the move.

The 30-year-old Byard has extensive experience playing various roles for the Titans' defense, including box safety, free safety, and slot safety. He boasts a career coverage rating of 80.5, allowing 69.3 percent of the pass targets against him to be completed. He has surrendered 26 touchdowns while hauling in 29 interceptions and breaking up 31 passes.

Although he's six years older than McKinney, Byard's knowledge of Bowen's defense could be a plus for a Giants defensive unit that will look to improve from last year's 27th overall ranking.

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