The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of an offseason of change, as new general manager Ran Carthon has already parted ways with several notable names such as left tackle Taylor Lewan and pass-rusher Bud Dupree. Tennessee isn’t done moving, however, and now all eyes are on star safety Kevin Byard.
According to ESPN, the Titans have approached Byard about a pay cut, but the Tennessee defense leader doesn’t think his game justifies it by taking less money. The Middle Tennessee State product ultimately wanted to retire a Titan, but ESPN reports the two sides are at a crossroads. Turron Davenport Reports that Byard did not ask for his release.
Byard recorded 108 combined tackles, six passes defended and four interceptions in 17 games played last season. With a defense that has struggled with injuries in every position for the past two seasons, Byard has never missed a game in his NFL career. He was named a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2017 and 2021, and led the NFL in interceptions with eight in his sophomore season in 2017.
Originally a sixth-round pick by MTSU in 2016, Byard quickly became a leader for the Titans. In 2019, he signed a five-year, $70.5 million contract which included $31 million in guarantees. At the time, that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Now his $14.1 million AAV ranks No. 9 among safeties, by Over The Cape.
Tennessee currently has $15.47 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. According to Spotrac, Byard carries a cap of $19.62 million in 2023. That ranks second on the team behind quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who carries a whopping $36.60 million cap this season.
