Update:
The deadline for the Bills to sign franchised S Jairus Byrd to a long-term contract has passed without an agreement on an extension in place.
“We worked very hard to come to a long-term agreement with Jairus, but unfortunately were unable to reach one before today’s deadline,” said Bills GM Doug Whale, via BuffaloBills.com. “Our attention will now be focused on a one-year agreement with him and on training camp with our continued efforts to prepare our team for the upcoming season.”
Byrd, 26, can either sign his one-year tender worth a guaranteed $6.9 million or hold out of training camp and possibly the 2013 season.
The Bills cannot fine him for skipping camp because he is technically a free agent as long as his tender is not signed.
Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com mentions that a sign-and-trade could be possibility, but that would obviously require Byrd to sign his tender.
This is obviously a bad situation for the Bills as there is not a great incentive for Byrd to sign his tender. We will have to see if Byrd elects to hold out of training camp and try to force his way out of Buffalo via a sign-and-trade at some point.
We have Byrd listed as the No. 5 player in our Top 50 – 2014 Free Agents list.
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According to Adam Benigni, Bills S Jairus Byrd is reportedly “demanding to be the highest paid safety in NFL.”
Numerous reports have already suggested that Byrd is targeting a similar contract to the ones signed by Eric Weddle and Dashon Goldson, but this is the first we have heard about him topping those contracts.
It would certainly be tough for the Bills to lose one of their best defensive players following the 2013 season, but they could always franchise him again for an additional 20 percent increase.
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WGR 550 in Buffalo is reporting that the Buffalo Bills and safety Jairus Byrd have yet to talk, and have no plans and no intent on talking prior to Monday’s franchise tag deadline. Reporter Joe Buscaglia also contributes that the situation is shaky between the two parties.
When the Bills franchise tagged Byrd on March 1st, this likely wasn’t the ending they planned. As the two side approach a stand still, it might take a miracle to make a long-term deal happen. More than likely, Byrd’s 2013 salary will be that of a franchised safety.
It’s been reported the 26-year-old safety wants to receive a deal in the ballpark of what the Chargers’ Eric Weddle (five years, $19 million guaranteed) and the 49ers’ Dashon Goldson (five years, $22 million guaranteed) received in recent memory. While the request certainly seems reasonable for the type of impact player he is, the Bills are showing some hesitance.
Buscaglia adds Buffalo is dragging their feet because they want to see how Byrd plays under Mike Pettine’s new defensive scheme prior to a multi-year commitment.
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Byrd has earned a top priced long term contract. He is on par if not better than Weedle and Goldson. Pro Bowl Safeties don’t come around very often. Did Pettine get along term contract, if so then pay Byrd and stop jerking him and the fans around? I hate to say it, but this is why the BILLS are the FARM TEAM for the NFL
Paul,
I’m with you regarding Byrd proving his worth. As an NFL team, you can only hope to find a safety as talented as him. He’s still only 26! If BUF is willing to pass on him, then he’ll secure a solid contract elsewhere.
Thanks for the comment.
Thank you! I can’t imagine that Pettine, relishes the idea of losing a high caliber Safety like Byrd, especially when he is trying to build a much more aggressive defensive unit. The Bills need to reward the top proven players they have developed, it builds player morale and fan loyalty.