Hindsight on Unpopular Titans Trade: Eagles Likely to Cut Former All-Pro Kevin Byard

Back in October, trading Tennessee Titans Pro Bowler Kevin Byard for a backup and two late-round draft picks seemed like a bad deal. But Byard's decline in Nashville got worse in Philadelphia. The Eagles could cut him this offseason.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Titans fans were none too pleased when the team traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles. At the time, what the Titans received in return — a spot starter and two late-round draft picks — seemed a little light for a two-time All-Pro. Four months later, much has changed. 

According to NFL.com's Nick Shook, Byard is a potential release candidate this offseason following his underwhelming performance with the Eagles.

"Philly traded for the former All-Pro safety in October ... and its secondary only got worse. Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni, and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio need to retool this unit as soon as possible, and releasing Byard and his $14.4 million cap hit should be one of the first steps," Shook wrote. "The move would open up a robust $13.3 million in cap space, and while Byard is still a starting-caliber player, that money could be invested much more effectively elsewhere."

During the six games he played with the Titans, Byard allowed a completion rate of 72.7 percent. In his 10 regular-season games with the Eagles, that rate rose to 75.6 percent. Similarly, his passer rating allowed increased from 99.8 to 103.3. 

Byard's final season numbers were among the worst of his career.

The fifth- and sixth-round picks that the Titans received can be used to address a critical need such as the defensive secondary.

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