The Kevin Byard trade should only help the Eagles defense, but Brandon Graham readily admits it’s a bittersweet feeling.
Philadelphia swung a big move Monday to bolster its secondary, acquiring the All-Pro safety from the Titans. The Eagles sent a safety of their own, Terrell Edmunds, plus 2024 fifth- and sixth-round picks to Tennessee in exchange.
The 30-year-old Byard, who was born in Philadelphia, should make an instant impact. A gifted ball-hawker, he was first team All-Pro in 2021 and 2017 – leading the NFL with eight interceptions in 2017. He's played six games this season without a pick.
Edmunds was in his first season with the Eagles after five years in Pittsburgh. In his short time with Philly, Edmunds and Graham connected, with the Eagles captain sharing mixed feelings when asked about the trade Tuesday on the 94WIP Morning Show.
“Well you know what, I was excited, but then I heard my guy got traded too because me and him connected on another level too,” Graham said. “But at the end of the day, I understand it’s a business and he understood too, and we were out here just enjoying the time we did have together. When we go win this thing, like I told him, ‘You get one too, you’ve been with us.’
“I know it’s tough because you’re not going into a situation that you just left, going from winning – I’m not saying (the Titans) won’t make it, but it’s tough because of the schedule and where they’re at right now.
“I know for us, we had a good moment talking, but I am excited for (Byard) because we do need it. We need Reed (Blankenship) to come back this week, because Reed's a gem too, with them two together I’m excited.
“Josiah (Scott) and Eli (Ricks coming back too), it’s only going to make us better. We’ve just got to stay healthy and I’m excited. I really do think Howie (Roseman has done a great job of building this team for this year off what we lost, and now what we’re gaining. Us at 6-1 now, I know it’s only going to motivate us even more to get this thing right.”