Report: Byrd Unlikely To Be Tagged

With the start of free agency just nine days away, the chances of Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd hitting the market appear to have increased.

According to Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 in Buffalo, the Bills are unlikely to sign Byrd to a long-term extension, and the franchise tag is not in their plans either. Byrd played last year under the franchise tag, and per the report, the team might not want to use another one-year rental before losing the Pro Bowl safety next offseason.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Bills made Byrd an offer that would have made him the highest-paid safety in the league for a portion of the deal. But he turned it down.

These situations are always fluid. But if the Bills want to use the tag, Monday is the last day to do so.

As for the Eagles, GM Howie Roseman was asked this week if the team is still in position to take risks in free agency if the right player is available.

“Yes,” he said. “It will affect other things going forward, but yes.”

Last month, we used the All-22 for an in-depth look at Byrd. The 27-year-old is a play-making ballhawk who patrols the deep middle of the field. Clearly, he’s looking for a team willing to break the bank.

The signals Roseman has sent out indicate the Eagles aren’t looking to make a major splash, but given the major need at safety, Byrd’s situation is worth  monitoring.