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For much of this week, Buffalo Bills fans have been discussing the idea of pursuing New York Jets free agent safety LaRon Landry this off-season for two reasons: Landry revived his career last season playing defense for Mike Pettine, and the Bills released starting safety George Wilson on Monday.
Per an ESPN New York report, any team that approaches Landry about a deal this off-season will be met with an asking price of "at least" $6 million annually.
That's actually a reasonable financial demand for a safety that had missed 15 games in the two seasons prior to signing with New York last spring. The former No. 6 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft recorded 99 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and four forced fumbles as a full-time starter for the Jets last season. Now, he's looking to cash in.
Naturally, the Bills have their own safety to sign to a long-term deal first, and Jairus Byrd - who some argue is the best free safety in the league - will likely require a bit more in per-year earnings to lock up. Once we start talking about the Bills spending $12-14 million on a pair of safeties this off-season, the conversation gets a little tricky. Still, that Pettine connection exists - and these two players were in the Pro Bowl last season for a reason.