Going into last season, few pegged the Philadelphia Eagles as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This year, general manager Howie Roseman is not going to be satisfied with anything less than the Lombardi Trophy. His moves reflect that exact mindset, including Monday's trade with the Tennessee Titans for former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.

A Week 6 loss to the New York Jets exposed some of the Eagles' flaws, but an emphatic 31-17 victory over the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday night reminded fans that they are still a dangerous football team. Being content, though, is not going to guarantee victory against either the San Francisco 49ers or reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs.

After losing multiple safeties in the offseason, Philly's secondary was left a bit thin. Roseman found a familiar and successful dance partner in the Titans, and is hoping to turn a weakness into a definitive strength. The move is big for Tennessee as well, not because of the return value (a modest haul consisting of 2024 fifth and sixth-round draft picks and safety Terrell Edmunds), but rather for what the deal represents. A new era is officially underway in Nashville.

Although these two franchises are currently headed in opposite directions, the Kevin Byard trade could have major implications for both. It's report card time. Let's stamp our grades on this Eagles-Titans trade.

Eagles Grade: A

Kevin Byard is in the midst of a down year, earning an overall grade of 67.3 from Pro Football Focus, while tallying 47 combined tackles and one fumble recovery in six games. The upside cannot be ignored, however. He is is just two seasons removed from being a First-Team All-Pro selection. His leadership and enduring production in the Tennessee secondary should translate nicely to Philadelphia's roster.

Byard helped revitalize Titans football in his eight-year tenure with the team, recording 27 interceptions, 63 passes defensed and 674 total tackles. He remains solid against the run and could be rejuvenated in pass coverage following this change.

Regardless of the cons, Byard is an obvious upgrade to Terrell Edmunds and a big boost to a banged-up secondary. He adds credibility, experience and the composure befitting of an aspiring Super Bowl champion. Moreover, the potential length of the contract could mitigate any concerns about age and production. Byard is making $11 million this season but has an opt-out clause in his contract at the end of the year. Though, the Philly native might be inclined to stick around after just returning home.

Late-round picks and a struggling safety are a bargain price for a premium player whose best days are not that far behind him. Howie Roseman continues to improve the Eagles at a surprisingly reasonable cost. He and the front office earn this “A” grade.

Titans Grade: B

Kevin Byard enjoyed an impressive run with Titans

Tennessee general manager Ran Carthon was in a tough spot here. Trading away big-name talent like Kevin Byard warrants a better haul in return, but the safety position coupled with his seeming decline limited the front office's leverage. The 30-year-old's departure leaves a big hole in fans' hearts and suggests that the franchise could finally be embarking on an official rebuild.

Drafting Will Levis this past April was already evidence of that fact, but Byard was an integral part of the Titans engine. Sending him to the Eagles puts the organization's new plans into full effect. Though, heading in this direction cannot be properly done without carrying an impressive batch of future assets.

On that front, I think Carthon could have squeezed out a little more value from Roseman. While a 2024 fifth and sixth-rounder could certainly be useful, it might have been wiser to make Philadelphia sweat a bit more until the Oct. 31 trade deadline. Perhaps then, a fourth-round selection could have been in Tennessee's grasp.

The Titans were sure to add a young player in Terrell Edmunds to the deal, but he currently has a 59.7 PFF grade with 28 tackles and one fumble recovery this season. Head coach Mike Vrabel is a savvy coach, however, so if  Edmunds is a diamond in the rough, he is likely to mine it.

Kevin Byard will leave a lasting impression in Nashville, but he now turns his attention to being a title X-factor for the extremely ambitious Eagles. Neither franchise can afford to whiff on a trade that centers around a player of his caliber. We shall see how it all turns out.