With T.J. Ward In Position To Reach The Open Market, Jairus Byrd Could Be An Option For Browns?

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Browns decision to use their transition tag on C Alex Mack will most likely allow free agent SS T.J. Ward to reach the open market next week.

• Rapoport adds that Bills FS Jairus Byrd could now be a target for the Browns in free agency.

Rapoport mentioned a few weeks ago that he was “hearing” that there is a real possibility that the Browns could go after Byrd this offseason, and pointed to the fact that heis already familiar with new HC Mike Pettine’s defensive scheme.

It’s worth mentions that the Browns have said that they would like to retain Ward, but if given the option, there is at least a chance they may prefer to sign Byrd.

Byrd, 27, is reportedly looking for a huge contract, so it won’t be easy for any team to get him under contract. Cleveland does has plenty of cap space to work with, so could easily be in the bidding for him.

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 and Ward listed as the No. 1 and 3 players in our Top 50 Free Agents list.