Things move fast in the NFL, with winners at the trade deadline often pegged losers at the end of the season.
That happened to the Philadelphia Egales this year when they traded for Kevin Byard, but released him earlier this week.
And according to Evan Winter of A to Z Sports, Byard is an ideal fit in Pittsburgh:
The Steelers don’t have any coaching connections, but there is a schematic fit. Pittsburgh wants to keep Minkah Fitzpatrick in centerfield to avoid more injuries, therefore, they need a guy who can play closer to the line. As mentioned earlier, Byard can do just that. In terms of advanced run stats, Byard finished with the fourth-lowest missed tackle rate (7.3%) among the 32 safeties with at least 353 run defense snaps during the regular season. He did while recording an average depth of tackle of 7.6 yards past the line of scrimmage – 25 players finished with a shallower ADOT, yet only two yielded a lower missed tackle rate. And, if you’re into grades, Byard graded out as the fourth-best run defender out of the 32 safeties.
-Evan Winter, A to Z Sports
At first glance, one might wonder why Pittsburgh would sign what is in essence, another Minkah Fitzpatrick, but with more seasoning in his career.
But as Winter laid out, Byard was able to adapt in his role as a down saefty with the Eagles, and would be a perfect paring with Fitzpatrick as the Steelers aim to get him back to the alignments that made him a first-team All-Pro.
Byard can also play centerfield when/if needed – he just doesn’t need to be back there on occasion. What potentially holds this up is the salary cap, as the Steelers have just under $8 million in cap room, but the team can free up $10 million with the eventual Allen Robinson release and there are other cuts/restructures that can help create room, as well. This scenario has a bit more elevation to the climb than the Giants’ path, but it’s still a walkable one that makes sense.
– Evan Winter, A to Z Sports
So if Byard is willing to accept a short-term deal at a relatively affordable rate, I’m not sure there’s a better fit or situation out there for the veteran as he looks to capture his first championship.
Byard Leaves The Birds
