It’s been months since the Tennessee Titans asked star safety Kevin Byard to take a pay cut and the two sides appear to be on good terms now.
During a recent appearance on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast, Byard disclosed that the incident is water under the bridge and he’s now on good terms with the Titans.
“When my agent told me — obviously, he had a conversation with the team and kind of reported back to me about everything — it was very easy to be emotional because I'd be lying if I didn't say I felt a way about it,” Byard stated. “’'What? They asked for what?' But at the same time, you can't be emotional in business. … It happened. And I think we're in a good place right now."
When Byard spoke to reporters at minicamp in early June, he indicated he understood the business side of the Titans asking him to lower his $13.6 million salary — a request Byard rebuffed, citing the fact that he was still playing at a level of one of the top safeties in the NFL.
Reports circulated that Byard had asked to be released following the pay-cut request, but the 29-year-old safety has given no indication that he wants to leave Tennessee. First-year Titans general manager Ran Carthon has also denied that Byard no longer wants to play for the organization.
#Titans safety Kevin Byard does not want to play anywhere else. Says he wants to retire as a Tennessee Titan and will stick it out through whatever. pic.twitter.com/vmMY9FiyNk
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) January 9, 2023
Carthon admitted that he did ask Byard to take a pay cut, but explained that the situation wasn’t nearly as controversial as media reports made it seem. Byard's demeanor seems to support that.
"I think Ran is a good guy; he's cool, man," Byard said. "I don't have any ill feelings towards the whole situation. It just kind of is what it is."
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