Scratching your head about any of the deals on Monday? Many folks were shocked about the New Orleans Saints reaching an agreement with former Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd Tuesday night.
Bryd signed a deal. A huge deal, to be exact for six years and a reported $54 million with $28 million guaranteed. Not to say the rest of the opening day of free agency wasn’t a frenzy itself, But this was a stunning move by the allegedly cash-strapped Saints
In 2013, Byrd received the Bills’ franchise tag but chose not to sign his franchise tender until the third week of the preseason after he was unable to reach a long-term deal with the Bills.
The team decided not to use the tag again on Byrd this off-season. Byrd, a second-round pick of the Bills in 2009 out of Oregon, has been selected to three Pro Bowls. His nine interceptions as a rookie were tied for the most in the NFL that season.
Byrd sat out the first five games of last season due to foot soreness. He finished with 48 tackles, four interceptions and a sack.
Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan now has the luxury of pairing the talented Byrd with 2013 rookie Kenny Vaccaro at the safety position. Don’t look now, but that collective sound you hear is that of Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Mike Glennon getting nervous about having to face the newly-formed Byrd-Vaccaro duo twice a year in the NFC South.
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