The Tennessee Titans dropped a bombshell on the fanbase on Monday after it was reported that the team was trading All-Pro safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In exchange for the Pro Bowl defender, Tennessee received safety Terrell Edmunds, as well as a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
This move sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Byard was one of the most popular players on the team, and he was arguably the heart and soul of the defense over the last few years.
As you’d expect, the reactions to the trade were split.
Some were happy that the team is accepting where it is realistically, which is what this trade is a sign of. On the other hand, many are disappointed in the return that Tennessee received for a true pillar of the franchise.
Let’s take a closer look at how fans and media reacted to Monday’s news.
Kevin Byard is an all-time great #Titans player. He will be missed.
The Titans needed to rip the bandaid and begin the rebuild. Getting draft pick compensation in exchange for Byard is a good move.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) October 23, 2023
With that said, I do NOT like the compensation the #Titans received.
A 2024 5th and 6th? Feels like Byard was worth at least a 4th, maybe a 3rd.
Two day three picks + a player that won't be a part of the solution isn't great.
Ran Carthon did not get good value.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) October 23, 2023
Man I would’ve loved to see a fourth rounder at least, but this needed to be done with the situation they were.
Major admission by the team here though. They know. #Titans are rebuilding. https://t.co/BRuXOqKWZW
— TicTacTitans (@TicTacTitans) October 23, 2023
That’s it…? Might as well gave us nothing tbh cause that’s what the trade feels like. https://t.co/UzmRWLIYol
— 2 – 4 | #Titans (@TitanSZN) October 23, 2023
Make no mistake about it. This is NOT a salary dump. This saves the #Titans very little cash.
This is about a team needing draft capital getting good value for an expiring contract. https://t.co/eJoty2Yan0
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) October 23, 2023
One of the most exceptional teammates, leaders, players, and people I've covered. @KevinByard has embodied #Titans football for the last eight years.
The Mayor of Murfreesboro. An absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/AkpNZK2xrJ
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) October 23, 2023
Never got to see KB wearing the Oilers threads. Pain. pic.twitter.com/nwwsRXlA6f
— Sam Phalen (@Sam_Phalen) October 23, 2023
Been saying people overestimate what #Titans are worth in the trade market for a long time. Lots of reactions are confirming it.
A fifth and sixth equal a fourth on the value chart.
Kevin Byard's been a great player. Hasn't been making many plays lately. Has a $14 M cap next…
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 23, 2023
Kevin Byard to the Eagles is WILD!!
— DaQuan Jones (@RiDQulous_98) October 23, 2023
I'm sad to see Kevin Byard go, he was a phenomenal player and leader for this team for many years. That being said, he's on the wrong side of 30 and has clearly lost a step. The return is underwhelming, but at least the #Titans are being realistic about what they are right now.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) October 23, 2023
Just seen the report. Thank you @KevinByard for the passion and the heart you brought to this titans defense all the years. You’ll go down as a titan legend no matter where you go! Good luck in Philly!!
— Zack smallwood (@Titanfan4life92) October 23, 2023
We have lost many incredible players…but this one hurts differently.
Wishing @KevinByard all of the love and luck in Philly – but he will be missed! You will always be “The Mayor” KB! 💔 https://t.co/uZDKUFYLVs— HMari (@heathmari) October 23, 2023
Kevin Byard is a dawg man. Philly getting a good one
— Matty Bischoff (@DaWrightAnswer) October 23, 2023
Kevin Byard will go down as one of best defenders to wear Titans uniform. “The Mayor” was heart & soul of Titans.
Titans GM Ran Carthon has a lot of respect for Byard — sent him home to a contender reuniting him with AJ Brown. TENN plan is get younger, build for brighter future. pic.twitter.com/zPogFYuC9e
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 23, 2023
Good for @KevinByard go get you a ring. One of my favorites of all time. He deserves better.
— Ryan (@ryanmcclarty) October 23, 2023
Been a helluva run with @KevinByard. He will be sorely missed. I will wear his Oilers throwback jersey on Sunday in honor. Now go wrap your career up with a SB. https://t.co/3lhCLIbbYO
— Just Morris #TitanUp #RollTide ⚔️ (@morris96r) October 23, 2023
I’m fine with selling, I just better not see Tannehill play another snap for the #Titans going forward.
Giving Will Levis experience is realistically more important than damn near anything right now.
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) October 23, 2023
Broken… https://t.co/xzME53K7oA
— ⚔️NJ TITANS FAN⚔️ (@J13Foote) October 23, 2023
