The Eagles have solidified one of two safety positions for their new defensive coordinator, Sean Desai. Signing Terrell Edmunds was a brilliant move as they now have a Swiss Army knife that feels like a Malcolm Jenkins prototype.
Now, to maximize the potential of Terrell Edmunds, the Eagles need to find their centerfielder to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson. While the free agent pool has some pretty good options at safety, there is a better one that would make sense for the next 2-3 years.
Byard to the Eagles?
Kevin Byard was the topic of discussion last week and while it’s been reported that he never said he wants out, it’s evident that the Titans are revamping and rebuilding their team. Byard is 29 years old and is quite possibly one of the better safeties in the league.
Over his last two seasons, Byard has 9 interceptions and 196 tackles. He also has started every game since 2017 and has never missed a game at all. The Titans’ Ironman would be the perfect compliment for the Eagles in their secondary.
With both James Bradberry and Darius Slay back, Byard’s role would be a lot simpler than what he’s tasked to do in Tennessee. Without having to be the one to do it all, the Eagles could have a unique talent on their hands for the next 2-3 years.
What would he cost?
The complicated issue is Byard’s contract and the compensation that he would cost to trade for. He’s one of the better players on the titans and A.J. Brown’s cost last offseason was a 1st rounder (18th overall) and a 3rd rounder (101st overall).
Byard could be worth a 1st and a 4th but I believe the Eagles could acquire the safety for less. If Howie were to go do it, I believe that Philly could land him for a 2nd round pick (the 2024 Saints pick) and a 4th rounder from next year’s draft as well.
This would only leave the contract as the remaining obstacle. Byard has a cap hit of about $19.6 million this season and $17 million next season. If he’s traded to Philadelphia then the Eagles would have to do the same maneuvering that they did with Robert Quinn’s contract. The only question would be if they allow Byard to test free agency after the 2023 season or do they extend him until 2025?
It would be an incredible move for the Eagles to make this trade but just like any trade, there are obstacles in the way that would need to be cleared before it gets anywhere.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
