Despite boasting a league-best 6-1 record on the season, the defending NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles are not resting on their laurels.
As has been the case throughout his tenure in Philadelphia, front office head Howie Roseman is being active ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Philadelphia has acquired All-Pro safety Kevin Byard in a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans.
Philadelphia had been in the market for an upgrade at safety with an injury to Reed Blankenship and struggles throughout the back end of its defense. The team now finds that in the 30-year-old Byard, who has been among the best at his position since entering the league as a third-round pick out of Middle Tennessee State back in 2016.
In return for bringing the Philadelphia native back home, the Eagles have yielded fifth and sixth-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft as well as fellow safety Terrell Edmunds to Tennessee.
Kevin Byard stats (2023): 47 tackles, 1 pass defended, 99.8 QB rating allowed
While Byard has struggled to an extent thus far this season, the two-time All-Pro performer has been a major ball hawk throughout his career. In 2021 and 2022 alone, he recorded a combined nine interceptions. Opposing quarterbacks posted a 71.7 passer rating when targeting him during that span.
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Despite Philadelphia’s tremendous start to the season, pass defense was a major issue prior to Sunday night’s win over the Miami Dolphins.
Thus far this season, Philadelphia has yielded 12 passing touchdowns compared to three interceptions while giving up nearly 250 passing yards per game.
Byard should definitely help in that regard.