Tennessee Titans owner, GM, Mike Vrabel make official statements on Kevin Byard trade

After a whirlwind Monday afternoon of news reports, fans' reactions and social media posts, the Tennessee Titans officially announced late Monday evening that they had traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Titans will receive safety Terrell Edmunds, and a fifth-round and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

“I want to thank Kevin and Clarke for what they have meant to the Titans family and our community," team owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement, referring to the player and his wife. "Kevin has been a model of leadership on and off the field, always setting such a wonderful example for teammates and others to follow. His phenomenal play and tireless charitable efforts have earned him a special and lasting place in our hearts. Kevin will always be a Titan, and we wish him well this year and in the years to come.”

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Ran Carthon, who was hired in January to replace Jonathan Robinson, is handling his first NFL trade deadline as general manager.

"I haven’t known Kevin long, but I have gained a great deal of respect for him as a player and as a person," he said. "I want to thank him for his professionalism both on and off the field and what he gave to this team on a daily basis. He is the definition of a pro’s pro. I wish him all the best.”

Byard was drafted by the Titans in 2016 (third round, No. 64 overall) and has been coached by Mike Vrabel since he was hired in 2018.

“I want to thank Kevin for what he means to me personally and to this team," Vrabel said. "When I arrived, he helped carry a new message into the locker room and establish the mindset and work ethic we were trying to instill throughout the team. His play on the field speaks for itself.

"An intelligent and athletic player, he has led the secondary and helped us win a lot of games. Kevin and Clarke and the kids mean a great deal to me, and I wish them success in all that is in front of them.”

Byard, a four-time team captain, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and twice was named All-Pro. He joins wide receiver and former Titans teammate A.J. Brown in Philadelphia, where Byard was born.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Titans owner, GM, Mike Vrabel thank Kevin Byard in statement