Buffalo Rumblings - Jairus Byrd departs Buffalo Bills for New Orleans SaintsBuffalo Bills news, notes, discussions, opinions and analysis. 24/7/365 since 4/7/2007.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48063/buffalorumblings_fave.png2014-03-12T09:45:26-04:00http://www.buffalorumblings.com/rss/stream/42661932014-03-12T09:45:26-04:002014-03-12T09:45:26-04:00Local, national reaction to Byrd departure
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<p>The Buffalo Bills lost a marquee free agent yesterday. Get all the reaction.</p> <p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2014/03/11/byrds-new-contract-figures/">Inside The Bills | Byrd’s new contract figures</a><br>The overall details for Byrd's contract.</p>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.buffalobills.com/news/article-2/Saints-sign-Jairus-Byrd-on-day-one-of-free-agency/3eabcfc5-30b4-45fd-8199-a0be862b9af7">Saints sign Jairus Byrd on day one of free agency - BuffaloBills.com</a><br>"I first want to thank the Buffalo Bills organization and the great fans of Buffalo for their support during my time there. I think there are great things to come here in New Orleans and I’m excited to join this team," Byrd told NewOrleansSaints.com. "We played against the Saints this year and I saw their style of play and was impressed by it. I think I will fit well in the scheme. This is a great opportunity to join a championship organization. I look forward to meeting my new teammates and being part of a great Saints defense."</p>
<p><a href="http://blogs.buffalobills.com/2014/03/11/bills-react-to-jairus-byrd-signing/">Inside The Bills | Bills react to Jairus Byrd signing</a><br>Bills players reacted on Twitter.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/byrd-flies-to-saints-gets-big-deal-20140312">Byrd flies to Saints, gets big deal - Sports - The Buffalo News</a><br>"He signed a six-year deal worth $54 million, with nearly $28 million in guarantees, including an $11 million signing bonus."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wgr550.com/pages/18561826.php?contentType=4&contentId=14853056">WGR 550 SportsRadio - Jairus Byrd Signs With New Orleans, Gets $28M Guaranteed</a><br>"The Bills will move on with Williams as their top safety, and one of Da'Norris Searcy, Duke Williams or Jonathan Meeks as the other starter. That is, of course, unless Buffalo addresses the position through the rest of free agency or in the 2014 NFL Draft."</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10593358&ex_cid=espnapi_public">Saints Sign Jairus Byrd - ESPN Video - ESPN</a><br>"ESPN.com Saints reporter Michael Triplett breaks down the Saints signing safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year, $54 million deal."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5499416/jairus-byrd-saints-injuries-free-agent">Jairus Byrd Injury Concerns - Canal Street Chronicles</a><br>"The shiny new Saints free agent signing does not come without a few questions marks. One NFL executive said Jairus Byrd should not be given a 'ton of money' because of health concerns."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/11/5498792/jairus-byrd-deal-saints-54-million">NFL Free Agency 2014: Jairus Byrd Deal with Saints Worth $54 Million - Canal Street Chronicles</a><br>"Details of Jairus Byrd's new contract with the Saints have emerged. No wonder he was so quick to sign!"</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/11/5498748/saints-jairus-byrd-free-agency-nfl">NFL Free Agency 2014: Saints Sign Jairus Byrd to 6-year Deal - Canal Street Chronicles</a><br>"Loomis is at it again! On the first day of free agency, the Saints sign their first big-name free agent!" Here is the Saints SB Nation blog StoryStream.</p>
<p><a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/byrd-bags-giant-deal-from-saints/">Byrd bags giant deal from Saints | ProFootballTalk</a><br>"The structure also will say much about the expected duration of the deal. High salaries and cap numbers in future years make it less likely that all six years of the deal will be completed."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/03/new_orleans_saints_agree_to_te_12.html">New Orleans Saints agree to terms with safety Jairus Byrd as Malcolm Jenkins soars off to Philadelphia | NOLA.com</a><br>"However, his cap hit will only be around $4 million in his first year, according to the NFL Network, who reported the Saints will spread out an $11 million signing bonus over five years, giving Byrd a initial low base salary."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Jairus-Byrd-Pro-Bowl-free-safety-agrees-to-contract-terms-with-New-Orleans-Saints/bf0b37c5-841c-4fab-8eba-3f6636f538ea">Jairus Byrd, Pro Bowl free safety, agrees to contract terms with New Orleans Saints - NewOrleansSaints.com</a><br>"Saints GM Mickey Loomis announces team has signed game-changing free agent"</p>
<h4>Headlines</h4>
<p>Last night on Twitter, I asked for the best/worst Jairus Byrd headline puns. Feel free to leave your own in the comments section below.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Whichever one you choose will be changed to something not dumb. :)</p>
— Brian Galliford (@BrianGalliford) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianGalliford/statuses/443571812241117184">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Block anyone who sends in "Byrd flies the coop."</p>
— Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft) <a href="https://twitter.com/MockingTheDraft/statuses/443571573187153920">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> The Byrd's and the Brees</p>
— Bennie (@Clemfield2622) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clemfield2622/statuses/443571738236813313">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> "Fat Tuesday in NFL Free Agency assures Bye Bye from Byrd to Buffalo"</p>
— Brent Axe (@BrentAxeMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentAxeMedia/statuses/443572568612544512">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p>MT <a href="https://twitter.com/zackviola">@zackviola</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> probably can't use it but "Byrd [poop]"</p>
— Matt Warren (@MattRichWarren) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren/statuses/443573407397859329">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> How about Parker and Jarius flip Whaley the Byrd!</p>
— Gbeigel (@Gbeigel13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gbeigel13/statuses/443571968059527168">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> I guess Byrds really do fly south</p>
— Quest 4 Greatness (@BiLLSMAFiAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BiLLSMAFiAA/statuses/443572025316368384">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Big Easy Does It</p>
— Chris Devaney (@cdevaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/cdevaney/statuses/443572092236099584">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Saint flip the Byrd to Bills fans</p>
— Josh McCarty (@Josh_McCarty28) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josh_McCarty28/statuses/443572291184521217">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/BrianGalliford">@BrianGalliford</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> How about Byrd Fleur-de-leaves?</p>
— Mark Kelso's Helmet (@MarkKelsoHelmet) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkKelsoHelmet/statuses/443572366871109632">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Byrd dropping in New Orleans</p>
— John (@johnnysmooth72) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnnysmooth72/statuses/443572662116552704">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Getting Pooped on by a Byrd is Good Luck</p>
— Jason Fritz (@jfritz20) <a href="https://twitter.com/jfritz20/statuses/443573562860113920">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Geauxing, Geauxing, Gone: Byrd leaves while Whaley Sleeps"</p>
— Rich Fann II (@Fanntastic81) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fanntastic81/statuses/443574333802561536">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> "Byrds and the B's, Jairus Joins Brees on Bourbon Street"</p>
— Mark Caruana (@KramDaMan) <a href="https://twitter.com/KramDaMan/statuses/443574999497318400">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Rare Byrd officially extinct in Buffalo</p>
— Zach Gallagher (@z_gallagher) <a href="https://twitter.com/z_gallagher/statuses/443580296047636480">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p>Just remember <a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a>, mocking Byrd will not make him return to nest. (See what I did there?) <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mockYEAHingYEAH&src=hash">#mockYEAHingYEAH</a></p>
— Mark Warren (@marknotmatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/marknotmatt/statuses/443583035091324928">March 12, 2014</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MattRichWarren">@MattRichWarren</a> Byrd Buffalo Wings it to NOLA</p>
— YardsPerPass.com (@YardsPerPass) <a href="https://twitter.com/YardsPerPass/statuses/443573646926172160">March 12, 2014</a>
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https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/3/12/5500132/buffalo-bills-news-jairus-byrd-signs-with-new-orleans-saintsMatt Warren2014-03-12T06:15:02-04:002014-03-12T06:15:02-04:00Report: Bills' last offer to Byrd averaged $7.5M
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<p>We're not ever likely to know every detail of the Bills' final offer to Jairus Byrd, but with more details emerging, it's looking like their offer did not land in the same wheelhouse as the deal Byrd eventually signed with the Saints.</p> <p><span>Jairus Byrd</span> signed a six-year deal reportedly worth $54 million - $28 million of that guaranteed - with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a> on Tuesday evening. His five-year run as a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> is officially over.</p>
<p>The nature of the signing is not surprising. Byrd was never likely to last long on the open market, even despite reported concerns about his plantar fasciitis, and the Saints made sure to lock him up before the first night was even over. He and agent Eugene Parker were able to field an offer worth $9 million annually, something that Peter King of Sports Illustrated reported was their expectation on Monday, and several other outlets had reported as the rough figure for more than a year. The $28 million in guarantees came out a bit higher than many expected, as well.</p>
<p>A question that may be on the minds of Bills fans today is whether or not Buffalo's final offer measured up to the Saints' in any way.</p>
<p>We're not likely to ever know enough detail about Buffalo's offer to say definitively whether or not that's true, but the details we are aware of point toward it not being in the same wheelhouse. Last week, when the Bills decided not to franchise tag Byrd, John Wawrow of <i>The Associated Press</i> reported that Buffalo's final offer <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-rumors/2014/3/2/5462998/jairus-byrd-contract-rumors-rejected-offer/in/4266193">would have paid Byrd $30 million over the first three years</a> of the deal. Some have mistaken that as a guaranteed figure; it isn't, but the $10 million average would've made Byrd the top-paid free safety in the NFL for part of the deal. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported, separately, that Byrd had rejected the Bills' final offer.</p>
<p>Late Tuesday night, after the news of Byrd signing with New Orleans became official, Tim Graham of <i>The Buffalo News</i> provided two more details - one about the Bills' final offer, and one about Byrd's signing bonus with the Saints.</p>
<p>Graham reports that Buffalo's final offer <a href="https://twitter.com/ByTimGraham/status/443583018129956864">would have paid Byrd roughly $7.5 million per season</a> over the life of the deal. That does not necessarily refute Wawrow's report, of course; the Bills could have simply offered Byrd a six-year, $45 million contract that paid him $10 million per season for three years, and $5 million per season for another three. (If their offer was shorter than that, then Byrd's annual take after the first three years would have been even smaller.)</p>
<p>Byrd also will pull in an $11 million signing bonus from the Saints, according to Graham. The guaranteed figure of Buffalo's final offer has been conspicuously absent for more than a week, and it would not be surprising if that remained the case. This is the most important missing context of Buffalo's offer, and may have been an even bigger factor in Byrd's decision to leave than the annual average over the life of the contract.</p>
<p>Bills fans have had a choice to make for a week now: fret over the small amount of detail we're aware of, or take a <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/2014/3/3/5465496/nfl-franchise-tag-deadline-jairus-byrd-buffalo-bills">brass tacks point of view</a> and realize that the Bills willingly decided to let an excellent football player - one of their precious few - hit the open market. Byrd is a Saint, and Buffalo's offseason is still off to a bad start.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/3/12/5499704/jairus-byrd-contract-details-buffalo-bills-offerBrian Galliford2014-03-11T21:33:12-04:002014-03-11T21:33:12-04:00Saints snag Byrd for $28 million guaranteed
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<p>The Buffalo Bills now have a gaping hole at free safety after Jairus Byrd signed a six-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.</p> <p>It's official: <span>Jairus Byrd</span> is on his way out of Buffalo.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> announced on Tuesday evening that they'd agreed to terms with Byrd on a long-term contract; ESPN's Adam Schefter says it's a <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/443558440284065792">six-year deal</a> worth $54 million, with <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/2014/3/3/5467412/aaron-williams-role-change-jairus-byrd-buffalo-bills">$28 million guaranteed</a>. Which is, obviously, a rather massive deal.</p>
<p>Byrd, 27, spent the 2013 season on the franchise tag for the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>, playing in 11 games and doing enough to earn a third Pro Bowl nod as well as second team All-Pro. Last week, the Bills elected not to use the franchise tag on Byrd for a second time, which paved his way to the open market.</p>
<p>The free agent safety market moved quickly this year; seven safeties switched teams before it even came to light that Byrd had scheduled a visit, but the Saints moved quickly to ensure that they wouldn't let Byrd make any more trips to other teams.</p>
<p>After the Bills decided not to use the tag on Byrd, they signed 23-year-old safety <span>Aaron Williams</span> to a four-year, $26 million contract extension last week. Williams now becomes the team's top safety, and the Bills have a gaping hole to fill on the back end of their defense.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/3/11/5498594/nfl-free-agency-2014-jairus-byrd-signs-with-new-orleans-saintsBrian Galliford2014-03-11T17:54:46-04:002014-03-11T17:54:46-04:00Byrd's first visit is in New Orleans
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<p>If the Saints are serious about signing Byrd, they will likely need to clear out a good chunk of cap space to do so.</p> <p>The safety market in NFL free agency is moving very quickly, but free agent <span>Jairus Byrd</span> is taking a more measured approach. His first visit will be with the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a>, per multiple reports.</p>
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<p>Bills free-agent S Jairus Byrd is on his way to New Orleans to visit the Saints, per source.</p>
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/443502456853762049">March 11, 2014</a>
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<p>New Orleans had not been previously linked to Byrd over the last several days. The Saints are perennial playoff contenders with Sean Payton and <span>Drew Brees</span> leading the charge, and their defense is coached by Rob Ryan, who employs the same type of aggressive defense that Byrd excelled in under Mike Pettine last year with the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a>.</p>
<p>As of Monday evening, Overthecap.com (via Rotoworld) calculated that the Saints had just $2.7 million in cap room, so one would figure that if they're seriously interested in signing Byrd, they'll need to free up some space to do so. Paired with second-year pro <span>Kenny Vaccaro</span>, Byrd would give the Saints a truly excellent pair of safeties.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, as Byrd schedules a visit, many teams have moved quickly to sign safeties. Miami signed <span>Louis Delmas</span> on Monday. Today's list of safety transactions include (so far): Chicago signing <span>Ryan Mundy</span>; Cleveland signing <span>Donte Whitner</span>; Denver signing <span>T.J. Ward</span>; Philadelphia signing <span>Malcolm Jenkins</span>; Pittsburgh signing <span>Mike Mitchell</span>; and San Francisco signing <span>Antoine Bethea</span>.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-news/2014/3/11/5497816/nfl-free-agency-2014-jairus-byrd-to-visit-new-orleans-saintsBrian Galliford2014-03-10T12:47:36-04:002014-03-10T12:47:36-04:00More Byrd suitors: Redskins, Browns
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<p>Thanks to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, we now know the names of four more teams (aside from the Buffalo Bills) that are interested in signing Jairus Byrd to a long-term deal.</p> <p>Two more teams have emerged as suitors for the services of <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> free agent safety <span>Jairus Byrd</span>, again <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000332336/article/jairus-byrd-drawing-real-interest-from-miami-dolphins">via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com</a>: the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a> are in on the bidding.</p>
<p>Rapoport had previously mentioned the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> and the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> as teams interested in Byrd over the weekend (though some are already declaring the Dolphins' reported interest an elaborate smokescreen).</p>
<p>Cleveland's interest is long-expected and not remotely surprising. Byrd took to Mike Pettine's defense very quickly in 2013 after missing training camp and five games due to contract squabbles and plantar fasciitis. Pettine, of course, is now the Browns' head coach.</p>
<p>Washington does not have an obvious tie to Byrd, but as they're the Redskins, it's probably not surprising that they're interested in a guy many consider the top prize in free agency. The Redskins have a new head coach in Jay Gruden, but their defense will be coordinated by <span>Mike Shanahan</span> holdover Jim Haslett.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, as Byrd's list of suitors continues to grow, all indications are that the Bills are still involved in the bidding war for Byrd, as well.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-rumors/2014/3/10/5491130/nfl-free-agency-2014-jairus-byrd-browns-redskins-dolphinsBrian Galliford2014-03-10T07:32:20-04:002014-03-10T07:32:20-04:00Dolphins may or may not be interested in Byrd
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<figcaption>Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>Bills free agent safety Jairus Byrd is a hot commodity on the open market, which means that the Miami Dolphins are very interested.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a> were not the only team to <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-rumors/2014/3/9/5487262/nfl-free-agency-rumors-jairus-byrd-st-louis-rams">express interest</a> in <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> free agent safety <span>Jairus Byrd</span>, over the weekend, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a> are also among the teams that have expressed interest in Byrd to agent Eugene Parker.</p>
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<p>Among the teams expressing real interest in <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bills&src=hash">#Bills</a> S Jairus Byrd? The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Dolphins&src=hash">#Dolphins</a>. Gearing up for another big year in free agency</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/statuses/442836335296929792">March 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Miami is quickly developing a reputation as one of the league's biggest-spending teams in free agency. They have already reportedly locked up Kansas City left tackle <span>Branden Albert</span>, with <i>Pro Football Talk</i> reporting that <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/09/all-signs-point-to-branden-albert-signing-with-the-dolphins/">Miami will sign Albert</a> shortly after free agency opens on Tuesday afternoon. With more than $35 million in cap room, however, the Dolphins have plenty of ammo to make a run at Byrd, as well.</p>
<p>You're free to verbally vomit at the thought of Byrd in heinous teal and orange in the comments section below. It wouldn't exactly be the same as Thurman Thomas donning those colors, of course, but it would be a gruesome start to the offseason for the Bills nonetheless.</p>
<p>Then again, maybe this is all just a smokescreen. One Dolphins beat reporter already seems to think it is.</p>
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<p>Pump the brakes on the Jairus Byrd-to-Miami talk, people. I'm hearing that's a smokescreen.</p>
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamHBeasley/statuses/443061627131555840">March 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Interestingly, while the Rams and Dolphins have been identified as Byrd courters, two teams that were expected to pursue him heavily have not reportedly shown much interest yet: the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> (<a href="http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/03/cleveland_browns_havent_yet_re.html">link</a>) and the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> (<a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffMosherCSN/status/442646041846759425">link</a>). Teams still have 32 hours with which to talk about players with agents before free agency opens at 4PM ET on Tuesday, however, so it may only be a matter of time before those two teams join the fray.</p>
<p>Byrd, by the way, is seeking a deal that will <a href="http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/10/nfl-free-agency-monday-morning-qb/">pay him $9 million pear year</a>, according to Peter King.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2014/3/10/5490150/jairus-byrd-rumors-miami-dolphins-interested-bills-free-agentBrian Galliford2014-03-09T09:10:05-04:002014-03-09T09:10:05-04:00Rams interested in Byrd, per report
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<p>As expected, teams are quickly showing interest in (and likely driving up the price of) Bills free agent safety Jairus Byrd. Among those teams: the St. Louis Rams, coordinated by old pal Gregg Williams.</p> <p>NFL teams are legally allowed to contact player agents this weekend in advance of the start of free agency, on Tuesday at 4PM ET. That means that Eugene Parker, agent to <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> safety <span>Jairus Byrd</span>, likely spent a lot of time on the phone on Saturday.</p>
<p>One of the teams that called Parker about Byrd? The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Rams</a>, according to Ian Rapoport of <i>NFL Network</i>.</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Rams&src=hash">#Rams</a> were among the teams that inquired today on <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bills&src=hash">#Bills</a> S Jairus Byrd, per source. That was a bit unexpected and interesting.</p>
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/statuses/442461969887424512">March 9, 2014</a>
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<p>Rams head coach Jeff Fisher recently named Gregg Williams the team's new defensive coordinator. St. Louis already has one of the league's most feared pass rushers in Robert Quinn (19 sacks), and two excellent young linebackers in James Laurinaitis and Alec Ogletree, but they lack a true playmaker in their secondary. Byrd would serve to bring that defense up to a more relevant status in a division that already features two annual Super Bowl contenders in San Francisco and Seattle. <a href="http://www.turfshowtimes.com/2014/3/8/5486462/jairus-byrd-alterraun-verner-nfl-free-agent-rumors-rams">Rams fans seem smitten by the possibility.</a></p>
<p>This is only the beginning for Byrd, who will likely have several teams competing for his services - including the Bills, who say that they allowed Byrd to hit the open market in an effort to more amicably negotiate with him. Unless they plan on upping their offer one last time, Buffalo should probably start planning on finding a replacement for Byrd.</p>
<p>Other teams expected to make a play for Byrd in free agency include, but are not limited to, the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-rumors/2014/3/9/5487262/nfl-free-agency-rumors-jairus-byrd-st-louis-ramsBrian Galliford2014-03-07T06:06:03-05:002014-03-07T06:06:03-05:00Aaron Williams: Byrd wants to stay in Buffalo
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<figcaption>Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>Soon-to-be free agent safety Jairus Byrd has told three-year teammate Aaron Williams that he would like to return to the Buffalo Bills.</p> <p>Recently re-signed safety <span>Aaron Williams</span> told <i>SiriusXM NFL Radio</i> on Thursday that free agent teammate <span>Jairus Byrd</span> would like to return to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>.</p>
<p>"I know that they’re still negotiating," Williams told Alex Marvez (as transcribed by <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/07/aaron-williams-says-jairus-byrd-wants-to-remain-in-buffalo/"><i>Pro Football Talk</i></a>). "I don’t want to speak on their situation because I have no say, nor do I know the full story on it, but I know Jairus does want to come back and wants to be a part of something special. Jairus and I have a great friendship. We communicate non-stop."</p>
<p>The Bills announced on Monday that they'd decided <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/2014/3/3/5465496/nfl-franchise-tag-deadline-jairus-byrd-buffalo-bills/in/4266193">not to use the franchise tag on Byrd</a>, a year after doing so to retain his rights for 2013, which GM Doug Whaley has explained as a good-faith negotiation tactic. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second team All-Pro will officially become an unrestricted free agent at 4PM ET on Tuesday, March 11.</p>
<p>Williams, meanwhile, signed a <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-news/2014/3/5/5473824/buffalo-bills-aaron-williams-contract-extension-terms/in/4266193">four-year, $26 million contract extension</a> (with $14.625 million guaranteed) on Wednesday. The deal, provided the Bills pick up an option bonus prior to the 2015 season, will keep Williams in Buffalo through the 2018 season.</p>
<p>Whatever Byrd's wishes about staying in Buffalo may be, it's still highly difficult to envision him returning unless Buffalo's contract offer bests those of the many other teams that are sure to be interested in Byrd's services.</p>
https://www.buffalorumblings.com/bills-news-notes/2014/3/7/5480732/jairus-byrd-wants-to-return-to-buffalo-says-aaron-williamsBrian Galliford