The Philadelphia Eagles added to their formidable defense with help from a familiar trading partner.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles acquired safety Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans on Monday. They’re sending safety Terrell Edmunds, a fifth-round draft pick, and a sixth-round selection.
Fans commended general manager Howie Roseman on yet another inexpensive impact acquisition. Meanwhile, fans felt de ja vu when recalling Tennessee trading AJ Brown to Philadelphia last year.
“Wow. The rich get richer,” podcaster Matt O’Leary said.
Wow. The rich get richer https://t.co/ux9dWel7zI
— Matt O’Leary (@MattOLearyNY) October 23, 2023
“Howie Roseman must be stopped He is too good at this,” NBC Universal’s Logan Reardon pleaded.
Howie Roseman must be stopped
He is too good at this https://t.co/z2PT4ALbJj
— Logan Reardon (@TheLoganReardon) October 23, 2023
“Howie fleeced the Titans again,” a fan declared.
Howie fleeced the #Titans again 😂 https://t.co/dQmxTw9ZF5
— Jake Friel (@Jake_FrieI) October 23, 2023
“Tennessee didn’t learn from the AJ Brown deal,” another fan claimed.
Tennessee didn’t learn from the AJ Brown deal. https://t.co/xhRrIss0bZ
— Chris (@bluesfan1972) October 23, 2023
“The Titans are a development team for the Eagles,” a fan quipped.
The #Titans are a development team for the #Eagles https://t.co/xBtSm3PrNE
— CamIsMoney (@CamIsMoney18) October 23, 2023
Byard played 120 consecutive games for Tennesse since getting drafted in 2016. The two-time All-Pro has 27 career interceptions and 674 career tackles.
According to Pro Football Focus, Byard has the 36th highest grade (67.3) of 84 qualifying players at his position. The 30-year-old is particularly effective at defending the run (78.4).
The Eagles are hardly desperate for help in that area. They’re allowing an NFL-low 62.9 rushing yards per game this season after stuffing the top-ranked Miami Dolphins to just 45 yards on the ground.
A seemingly unstoppable Dolphins offense found the end zone once in Sunday night’s 31-17 loss at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles improved to 6-1.
Now a secondary that played without Bradley Roby, Reed Blankenship, Justin Evans, and Avonte Maddox got stronger by adding Byard for another title push. The veteran safety could join the team in time for back-to-back NFC East matchups against the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys.