Report: Contract Talks Between Bills & Jairus Byrd Have “Pleasent So Far”

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News reports that contract talks between the Bills and free agent S Jairus Byrd have been “pleasant so far.”

• Graham mentions that this is a departure from where things were at this point in the year last season.
• Graham cautions that it’s still early in the negotiations and once the franchise tag deadline passes talks between the two sides could cool down.

The Bills will have until Monday to decide whether or not to franchise Byrd for the second straight season. Buffalo could apply the designation to Byrd and try to continue working on a long-term deal, but they will only until July 15 to discuss an extension with a franchised player.

Byrd, 27, is reportedly seeking a similar contract to that of Eric Weddle, who received a five-year, $40 million deal from the Chargers. Last year, Byrd totaled 48 tackles, 4 sacks, one interception and a forced fumble for the Bills defense. Pro Football Focus has Byrd rated as the No. 8 safety in the league last season.

We have Byrd listed as our No. 3 player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.