The market for safeties got a lot more interesting yesterday after the passing of the deadline to franchise players. While several marquee players were forced into a one-year deal, there were plenty that managed to avoid it and will hit free agency come March 11. Both Jairus Byrd and Aqib Talib are now free to sign elsewhere if they so choose and plenty of teams are interested.
The Buffalo Bills had been saying for weeks that they would do anything to retain Byrd for the long-term future. The safety is a crucial member of the Bills secondary and Buffalo had said that all options were on the table when it comes to keep in with the team. General manager Doug Whaley said signing Byrd to a second-straight franchise tag was certainly an option as was a long-term deal. However, the Monday deadline came and went and Byrd was not signed.
Byrd will be one of the most sought after free agents on the market. While the Bills have said they intend to continue contract negotiations with the safety, his time in Buffalo appears over. So where does the two-time Pro Bowler head now that he is not tied down to the Bills?
The New England Patriots could be serious contenders for Byrd. The team opted not to franchise Aqib Talib on Monday and while owner Robert Kraft stresses the important of retaining the veteran, it is looking like he could be on his way out. Talib is looking to get a bigger deal that the one-year contract he signed with New England. The Boston Herald reports the Patriots are being cautious when it comes to giving players with off-the-field issues any type of length contract.
New England has been mentioned as a team that might target a trade for Darrelle Revis. While getting the shutdown cornerback would certainly be nice and maybe even an upgrade in the secondary over Talib, Revis might cost too much for the Patriots' liking. Revis will cost draft picks and New England is typically very stingy with those.
Signing Byrd could be the cheaper and easier option for the Patriots. Revis is currently costing the Buccaneers $16 million which is a heavy deal to take on. Byrd might be the better fit and New England could re-work a better deal.
The Patriots will not be the only team that has their sights set on Byrd. The Atlanta Falcons are considered a favorite to sign the safety as well after they released Asante Samuel and Thomas DeCoud. The Chicago Bears could also be a favorable landing spot.
