BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Buffalo Bills were still hopeful that they could find a way to re-sign three-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd, even after earlier negotiations fell short and he was allowed to test the free agent market.
Those hopes ended late on Tuesday, when Byrd landed in a very unlikely spot.
The New Orleans Saints announced they signed Byrd to a six-year deal via their Twitter account. ESPN reported the deal to be worth $54 million with $28 million guaranteed, making Byrd the highest paid safety in the NFL.
Showing posts with label Jairus Byrd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jairus Byrd. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Byrd on hitting free agency: 'It'll be fun and exciting'
BY NICK ST. DENIS
As far as the Buffalo Bills are concerned, safety Jairus Byrd is all but a goner.
The Bills didn't use their franchise tag on Byrd, or anyone, prior to the deadline Monday, and with the team having gotten nowhere with the 27-year-old the past two years in contract talks, he's rapidly headed toward free agency for the first time in his career.
"It'll be fun and exciting," Byrd told ESPN Tuesday morning, via BuffaloBills.com. "It's something new so it's kind of the unknown.
As far as the Buffalo Bills are concerned, safety Jairus Byrd is all but a goner.
The Bills didn't use their franchise tag on Byrd, or anyone, prior to the deadline Monday, and with the team having gotten nowhere with the 27-year-old the past two years in contract talks, he's rapidly headed toward free agency for the first time in his career.
"It'll be fun and exciting," Byrd told ESPN Tuesday morning, via BuffaloBills.com. "It's something new so it's kind of the unknown.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Whaley on Byrd: 'With cap, you can't keep everybody'
BY DAN BEGNOCHE
Bye, bye Byrd.
The deadline to utilize the franchise tag came and went Monday, with the Buffalo Bills deciding not to pull the trigger on any of their unrestricted free agents. That includes three-time Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd, who's now likely hit the open market at the end of the week, the official start of the free agency period.
Based on the official release from general manager Doug Whaley Monday just prior to the 4 p.m. deadline, it seems clear that the team has grown tired of trying to negotiate a long-term deal with Byrd.
Bye, bye Byrd.
The deadline to utilize the franchise tag came and went Monday, with the Buffalo Bills deciding not to pull the trigger on any of their unrestricted free agents. That includes three-time Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd, who's now likely hit the open market at the end of the week, the official start of the free agency period.
Based on the official release from general manager Doug Whaley Monday just prior to the 4 p.m. deadline, it seems clear that the team has grown tired of trying to negotiate a long-term deal with Byrd.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
RPT: Bills have exhausted all options with Byrd
BY SEAN DONOVAN
The Buffalo Bills and impending free agent Jarius Bryd have been working toward a long term deal ahead of Monday, the last day the team can opt to place the franchise tag on the star safety.
And by all accounts, negotiations had been amicable between the two sides.
According to a report from WGR 550, a split is now probable, with a deal unlikely to be struck before free agency. The report states that Buffalo is also not expected to use the franchise tag this time around, an option it utilized last year after contract talks broke down.
The Buffalo Bills and impending free agent Jarius Bryd have been working toward a long term deal ahead of Monday, the last day the team can opt to place the franchise tag on the star safety.
And by all accounts, negotiations had been amicable between the two sides.
According to a report from WGR 550, a split is now probable, with a deal unlikely to be struck before free agency. The report states that Buffalo is also not expected to use the franchise tag this time around, an option it utilized last year after contract talks broke down.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Bills working with Byrd's agent to put price on safety
BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Buffalo Bills have their ballpark idea of what safety Jairus Byrd is worth, and Byrd's camp has an opinion of its own.
Over the next few days, the sides are giving each other their respective takes.
The Bills' brass is talking to Byrd's agent, as well as the representatives of the rest of the team's pending free agents, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week and weekend.
The Buffalo Bills have their ballpark idea of what safety Jairus Byrd is worth, and Byrd's camp has an opinion of its own.
Over the next few days, the sides are giving each other their respective takes.
The Bills' brass is talking to Byrd's agent, as well as the representatives of the rest of the team's pending free agents, at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week and weekend.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Williams doesn't want Byrd to fly coop in offseason
BY DAN BEGNOCHE
Following a move from the cornerback position, Aaron Williams quickly became the Buffalo Bills' No. 2 safety. Now, No. 2 needs to convince No. 1 to stick around.
Considering the offseason that teammate and fellow safety Jairus Byrd had last year, Williams would be remiss to think contract negotiations will be a smooth process this time around.
Given the output the two were able to churn out with the backfield in 2013, however, Williams will likely try is best to keep the Pro Bowler around for the long haul.
Following a move from the cornerback position, Aaron Williams quickly became the Buffalo Bills' No. 2 safety. Now, No. 2 needs to convince No. 1 to stick around.
Considering the offseason that teammate and fellow safety Jairus Byrd had last year, Williams would be remiss to think contract negotiations will be a smooth process this time around.
Given the output the two were able to churn out with the backfield in 2013, however, Williams will likely try is best to keep the Pro Bowler around for the long haul.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Bills' secondary re-aligning to its original self
BY NICK ST. DENIS
With safety Jairus Byrd and cornerback Stephon Gilmore another week into their return to game action, the Buffalo Bills' secondary is starting to take on its original shape.
Aaron Williams, who lined up primarily at cornerback the last few games despite entering the season as a safety, is transitioning back to centerfield as the perimeter of the defense gets healthier.
Williams lined up next to Byrd in practice Wednesday with Gilmore and Leodis McKelvin on the outside, according to WGR550's Joe Buscaglia. BuffaloBills.com's Chris Brown also noted the shift.
With safety Jairus Byrd and cornerback Stephon Gilmore another week into their return to game action, the Buffalo Bills' secondary is starting to take on its original shape.
Aaron Williams, who lined up primarily at cornerback the last few games despite entering the season as a safety, is transitioning back to centerfield as the perimeter of the defense gets healthier.
Williams lined up next to Byrd in practice Wednesday with Gilmore and Leodis McKelvin on the outside, according to WGR550's Joe Buscaglia. BuffaloBills.com's Chris Brown also noted the shift.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Byrd 'felt really good' upon return to field
BY NICK ST. DENIS
Jairus Byrd played in his first game in nine months Sunday, and as expected, the veteran Buffalo Bills safety was limited.
Byrd saw the field for 40 snaps -- 26 in coverage, 13 against the run and one rushing the quarterback -- according to ProFootballFocus.
"It felt really good," Byrd said Sunday, via BuffaloBills.com. "You take this game for granted sometimes, and it was really good just to get back out there and be with my teammates and get in the swing of things and play again.”
Jairus Byrd played in his first game in nine months Sunday, and as expected, the veteran Buffalo Bills safety was limited.
Byrd saw the field for 40 snaps -- 26 in coverage, 13 against the run and one rushing the quarterback -- according to ProFootballFocus.
"It felt really good," Byrd said Sunday, via BuffaloBills.com. "You take this game for granted sometimes, and it was really good just to get back out there and be with my teammates and get in the swing of things and play again.”
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Searcy proves his worth in Byrd's absence
BY DAN BEGNOCHE
A Week 1 loss isn't anyone's idea of a great start to the season.
The Buffalo Bills have a few positives they can take away from Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Patriots, however, namely the play of strong safety Da'Norris Searcy.
"He’s a great player," fellow defensive back Jim Leonhard told reporters after the game. "He’s very confident and goes out there and plays hard, plays fast, and I think you saw that today."
A Week 1 loss isn't anyone's idea of a great start to the season.
The Buffalo Bills have a few positives they can take away from Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Patriots, however, namely the play of strong safety Da'Norris Searcy.
"He’s a great player," fellow defensive back Jim Leonhard told reporters after the game. "He’s very confident and goes out there and plays hard, plays fast, and I think you saw that today."
Friday, September 6, 2013
Injury Report: Byrd listed as doubtful
BY NICK ST. DENIS
Jairus Byrd will likely be a no-go when his Buffalo Bills open the regular season.
The Bills' star/drama-stirring safety is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's bout with the New England Patriots, according to the NFL's official injury report. Byrd has been limited in practice this week with a foot ailment.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (wrist), kicker Dustin Hopkins (groin) and offensive lineman Doug Legursky (knee) were placed in the "out" column, as expected. All three were non-participants in practice Friday.
Jairus Byrd will likely be a no-go when his Buffalo Bills open the regular season.
The Bills' star/drama-stirring safety is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's bout with the New England Patriots, according to the NFL's official injury report. Byrd has been limited in practice this week with a foot ailment.
Cornerback Stephon Gilmore (wrist), kicker Dustin Hopkins (groin) and offensive lineman Doug Legursky (knee) were placed in the "out" column, as expected. All three were non-participants in practice Friday.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Byrd 'learning the scheme' days before opener
BY NICK ST. DENIS
In the middle of an in-season week, most NFL players are learning their upcoming opponents' schemes. Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd is still learning his own.
Byrd, who joined his team for the first time a day after training camp ended, is still catching up on the ins and outs of new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's intricate system, which puts a lot of adjust-and-call responsibilities on the safeties.
The Bills take the field in three days to face the New England Patriots.
In the middle of an in-season week, most NFL players are learning their upcoming opponents' schemes. Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd is still learning his own.
Byrd, who joined his team for the first time a day after training camp ended, is still catching up on the ins and outs of new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's intricate system, which puts a lot of adjust-and-call responsibilities on the safeties.
The Bills take the field in three days to face the New England Patriots.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Marrone 'not sure' about Byrd's Week 1 status
BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Buffalo Bills were unsure if safety Jairus Byrd would return to the field for training camp. Now they're unsure if he'll return to the field for Week 1.
Bills coach Doug Marrone told reporters Sunday that Byrd, who skipped out on all spring and summer activities after being franchise-tagged, is currently suffering from plantar fasciitis, an ailment that involves inflammation of the ligament in the arch of the foot.
Marrone said he was "not sure" when asked about Byrd's status for the season-opener Sunday.
The Buffalo Bills were unsure if safety Jairus Byrd would return to the field for training camp. Now they're unsure if he'll return to the field for Week 1.
Bills coach Doug Marrone told reporters Sunday that Byrd, who skipped out on all spring and summer activities after being franchise-tagged, is currently suffering from plantar fasciitis, an ailment that involves inflammation of the ligament in the arch of the foot.
Marrone said he was "not sure" when asked about Byrd's status for the season-opener Sunday.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Under contract, Jairus Byrd to report this week
BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Buffalo Bills have been waiting for their best defensive player to report to training camp. Their best defensive player has been waiting until training camp is over.
Safety Jairus Byrd, who was franchise-tagged by the team in March, signed his one-year franchise tender Tuesday night, according to BuffaloBills.com.
The Bills wrap up training camp Wednesday, but Byrd won't report until Thursday, a designated day off.
The Buffalo Bills have been waiting for their best defensive player to report to training camp. Their best defensive player has been waiting until training camp is over.
Safety Jairus Byrd, who was franchise-tagged by the team in March, signed his one-year franchise tender Tuesday night, according to BuffaloBills.com.
The Bills wrap up training camp Wednesday, but Byrd won't report until Thursday, a designated day off.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Bills safeties 'making best of' Byrd's absence
BY NICK ST. DENIS
Jairus Byrd's job as one of the Buffalo Bills' starting safeties is safe -- if he ever decides to show up. But while Byrd is absent from training camp due to a contract dispute, other Bills defensive backs are taking advantage.
There is a positional competition going on for the second starting safety spot, and with Byrd away, the players trying to earn that gig have been given extra reps.
“We knew Byrd wasn’t going to be back in time so whatever opportunity we get we just look to make the best of it,” Da'Norris Searcy said, via BuffaloBills.com.
There is a positional competition going on for the second starting safety spot, and with Byrd away, the players trying to earn that gig have been given extra reps.
“We knew Byrd wasn’t going to be back in time so whatever opportunity we get we just look to make the best of it,” Da'Norris Searcy said, via BuffaloBills.com.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Report: Byrd won't show to camp this weekend
BY NICK ST. DENIS
In what has become a common theme among NFL teams over the past few years, the Buffalo Bills will begin training camp without arguably their best defensive player.
According to Tim Graham of The Buffalo News, Bills safety Jairus Byrd isn't any closer to signing a contract than he was the last time his name popped up in the news. With that, Byrd won't show up for the start of Bills training camp this weekend.
Buffalo had until July 15 to sign Byrd to a multi-year deal after franchise-tagging him early in the offseason. That deadline came and went.
“We worked very hard to come to a long-term agreement with Jairus, but unfortunately, were unable to reach one before today’s deadline,” Bills general manager Doug Whaley said that evening. “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."
In four NFL seasons, Byrd has tallied 18 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 308 tackles, 27 passes defensed, two sacks and two defensive touchdowns.
According to Tim Graham of The Buffalo News, Bills safety Jairus Byrd isn't any closer to signing a contract than he was the last time his name popped up in the news. With that, Byrd won't show up for the start of Bills training camp this weekend.
Buffalo had until July 15 to sign Byrd to a multi-year deal after franchise-tagging him early in the offseason. That deadline came and went.
“We worked very hard to come to a long-term agreement with Jairus, but unfortunately, were unable to reach one before today’s deadline,” Bills general manager Doug Whaley said that evening. “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 has yet to sign his $6.9 million tender, so he's not considered a holdout since he's not under contract. However, his salary will be cut into if he doesn't pen his signature by the season-opener.
The Bills, who are learning entirely new schemes on both sides of the ball, finish camp Aug. 21.
In four NFL seasons, Byrd has tallied 18 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 308 tackles, 27 passes defensed, two sacks and two defensive touchdowns.
Monday, July 15, 2013
To no avail, Bills 'worked very hard' to sign Byrd
BY NICK ST. DENIS
The stiff deadline Buffalo Bills fans had been anticipating for quite some time now came and went Monday afternoon.
When the Bills slapped safety Jairus Byrd with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, they had until 4 p.m. Monday to sign him to a long-term deal. An extension didn't happen, and now they won't be able to make an official agreement with Byrd until the end of the 2013 season. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
By then, Byrd could have his sights set elsewhere.
When the Bills slapped safety Jairus Byrd with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, they had until 4 p.m. Monday to sign him to a long-term deal. An extension didn't happen, and now they won't be able to make an official agreement with Byrd until the end of the 2013 season. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
By then, Byrd could have his sights set elsewhere.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Bills, Fins yet to move needle on tagged players
BY SEAN DONOVAN
Eight NFL players received the franchise tag in 2013, giving them each until July 15th to agree to a contract extension with their team or play the season on a one-year, fully guaranteed deal.
For free safety Jairus Byrd and defensive tackle Randy Starks, who were tagged by the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins respectively, there hasn't been any progress on the former. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
According to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, talks between Byrd and the Bills that began in the middle of the 2012 regular season have have reached an impasse. The star safety has not yet signed his franchise tender nor has he shown up for any of the team's offseason minicamps.
For free safety Jairus Byrd and defensive tackle Randy Starks, who were tagged by the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins respectively, there hasn't been any progress on the former. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
According to CBS Sports' Jason LaCanfora, talks between Byrd and the Bills that began in the middle of the 2012 regular season have have reached an impasse. The star safety has not yet signed his franchise tender nor has he shown up for any of the team's offseason minicamps.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Jairus Byrd to skip start of Bills' voluntary workouts
BY DAN BEGNOCHE
The Buffalo Bills may have avoided losing safety Jairus Byrd to free agency.
His absence from voluntary workouts, however, seems unavoidable.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported late last night that the team's two-time Pro Bowler has yet to sign his one-year contract via the Bills' franchise tag, and that the 26-year-old will likely skip the team's workouts that begin Tuesday. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
His absence from voluntary workouts, however, seems unavoidable.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported late last night that the team's two-time Pro Bowler has yet to sign his one-year contract via the Bills' franchise tag, and that the 26-year-old will likely skip the team's workouts that begin Tuesday. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)
Monday, March 11, 2013
King says Titans will 'go out hard' for Bills' Levitre
BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Buffalo Bills covered two of their top three in-house free-agent priorities over the last week, franchise-tagging safety Jairus Byrd and re-signing return man/cornerback Leodis McKelvin.
But guard Andy Levitre, one of the Bills' best players on offense, is poised to hit free agency.
At least five other teams are reportedly prepared to partake in the Levitre sweepstakes, including the Tennessee Titans.
But guard Andy Levitre, one of the Bills' best players on offense, is poised to hit free agency.
At least five other teams are reportedly prepared to partake in the Levitre sweepstakes, including the Tennessee Titans.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Bills’ Andy Levitre still ‘in limbo’ before free agency
BY DAN BEGNOCHE
Buffalo Bills fans are eagerly awaiting the fate of offensive lineman Andy Levitre. Levitre is in the same boat.
The team placed the franchise tag on standout safety Jairus Byrd Friday, subsequently limiting the options available to bring Levitre back this season. Now, the team will need to work out a contract with the versatile lineman before March 12, when he is set to hit free agency.
“I'm in limbo right now,” Levitre told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News Friday, noting that the team has yet to reach out to him with an offer. “I don't know what their plan is. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)
Buffalo Bills fans are eagerly awaiting the fate of offensive lineman Andy Levitre. Levitre is in the same boat.The team placed the franchise tag on standout safety Jairus Byrd Friday, subsequently limiting the options available to bring Levitre back this season. Now, the team will need to work out a contract with the versatile lineman before March 12, when he is set to hit free agency.
“I'm in limbo right now,” Levitre told Tim Graham of the Buffalo News Friday, noting that the team has yet to reach out to him with an offer. “I don't know what their plan is. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)
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