The Buffalo Bills continue to say they have every intention of keeping hold of Jairius Byrd for the future, but so far those intentions are not getting fulfilled. The two sides have been in negotiations regarding a long-term contract for two years now and cannot seem to agree upon a number. Byrd got franchised as a result last season, but might be able to weasel himself onto the free agent market this year.
General manager Doug Whaley has said that every option is on the table when it comes to Byrd. He noted that Buffalo was fine in regards to their salary cap situation and would not hesitate to use the franchise tag again on the Pro Bowl safety. A one-year deal would make Byrd $8.3 million in 2014. However, Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 (via ProFootballTalk.com) is reporting the Bills are starting to lean away from the idea of a second-straight franchise tag which could mean Byrd hits the market soon.
The Associated Press is reporting that negotiations regarding a long-term deal with Byrd have once again stalled out. The Bills reportedly made a lucrative, multi-year deal offer to the safety and he has turned it down. NFL sources believe the offer ranged somewhere around three years and $30 million. If Byrd and the Bills fail to reach an agreement by 4 p.m. on Monday, he could be franchised or become an unrestricted free agent.
If Byrd hits the open market, he can expect a lot of attention. Even with a history of plantar fasciitis, Byrd is a dominating defensive star that would be an upgrade for any team. The Atlanta Falcons could be the first to make a play on him. NFL sources have been linking the Falcons to the safety for a few weeks now. Atlanta released Asante Samuel and are expected to do the same with Thomas DeCoud. Byrd could come in and make an immediate impact.
The Philadelphia Eagles are another team eyeing the Pro Bowler. Nate Allen is set to hit free agency. Patrick Chung was not effective on the field and Earl Wolff spent more time injured. The Eagles have been assumed to draft a safety with possibly their No. 22 first-round pick, but if they have the chance to land Byrd, the team could go that route instead.
The Bills really cannot afford to let Byrd go, but a franchise tag is expensive for a team in need of a lot of help. Byrd will find teams willing to give him the money he wants.