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The Philadelphia Eagles added a much-needed reinforcement for their banged-up secondary, acquiring safety Kevin Byard in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Monday.
The Eagles sent safety Terrell Edmunds plus two draft picks — 2024 fifth- and sixth-round selections — to the Titans.
The trade marks a homecoming for Byard, who was born in Philadelphia and has named former Eagles great Brian Dawkins as one of his favorite players.
Byard took to social media to thank the Titans organization and the team’s fans and express his excitement at joining the Eagles.
, KB pic.twitter.com/cHEm3bBgwF
— Kevin Byard (@KevinByard) October 23, 2023
With that being said… @Eagles it’s up!! #FlyEaglesFly
— Kevin Byard (@KevinByard) October 23, 2023
Byard will rejoin former Titans teammate A.J. Brown, the star wide receiver who was acquired by the Eagles from Tennessee during the 2022 draft.
Safety was the biggest question mark on a talent-rich Eagles roster entering the season, and those questions grew following a rash of injuries at the position. Reed Blankenship missed the team’s victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night with a rib injury, while Justin Evans is currently on injured reserve with a knee injury.
The Eagles are high on rookie third-round pick Sydney Brown, who started against the high-octane Dolphins and acquitted himself well, but he still needs time to develop.
Byard has 27 interceptions since being drafted by the Titans in 2016. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2021 and finished the 2022 season with 108 tackles and four interceptions. He has 47 tackles in six games this season.
Byard, 30, has never missed a game in eight seasons with the Titans. He was a captain for four consecutive seasons and is a homegrown product, having been drafted in the third round from Middle Tennessee State, where his jersey is retired.
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