REPORT: Kevin Byard Refuses Pay Cut, Future with Titans at 'Crossroads

The Tennessee Titans approached All-Pro safety Kevin Byard about a pay cut, but Byard refused to take it, per multiple reports. Byard and the Titans now sit at a “crossroads” in regard to his future with the team.

NASHVILLE — According to multiple reports, the Tennessee Titans went to Kevin Byard and asked if he would take a pay reduction and Byard declined to do. Now, Byard’s status with the team is up in the air due to his $19.6 million cap hit in 2023.

The Titans approached Kevin Byard about a pay cut, but the Pro Bowl safety does not believe his play warrants a decrease in salary.

Byard has wanted to play for one organization and ultimately retire as a Titan, but the two sides are at a crossroads, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2023

The Tennessee Titans are trying to clear more cap space and Byard’s $19.6 million cap hit is the second highest on the team, behind quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The issue is releasing Kevin Byard now would not make much financial sense. If the Titans cut Byard, they would only save $5.9 million in salary cap space while eating $13.6 million in dead cap.

The Titans could cut Byard with a “Post June 1” designation and it would save $14 million, but two things make that not an enticing route. One, the Titans would still have to eat $5 million in dead money in 2023 and $8 million in dead money in 2024. Two, the cap savings would not be available until after June 1, long after the early phase of free agency concludes.

It is no surprise that Byard balked at the Titans request to take a pay cut. Byard has been playing excellent football since the time he stepped on a field for the Titans. Byard has made two all-pro teams in his career and played in every single game possible. While he may be going into his age-30 season, Byard is still at the top of his game. In 2022, Byard put up 108 tackles, four interceptions and six passes defended.

Despite Byard’s current price tag, the Titans desperately need his play on the field and his leadership off it. Byard has turned into the truest form of a team captain. Losing him may make for a short-term financial gain, but would set the Titans defense back in a major way. 

The Titans may be looking to make significant changes to the current core of the roster and it appears Byard isn’t in their plans unless he makes less than he has shown he is worth.

The Titans lost their last seven games a year ago and aren't expected to do much in 2023. According to the odds at Fanduel, they are 14th out of 16 AFC teams when it comes to odds to win the AFC.