Jairus Byrd and the Buffalo Bills couldn't agree on a contract extension before the July 15 deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign multi-year contracts. The Bills are still hopeful they can retain their Pro Bowl safety for longer than the upcoming season though, according to team president and CEO Russ Brandon.
Bills still want to sign Jairus Byrd to extension
The Bills are holding out hope that their holdout signs a long-term extension with the club next summer.
Rick Stewart
Brandon spoke with WGR Sportsradio 550 in Buffalo about Byrd and, despite the safety having yet to sign the franchise tender and report to training camp, the team’s president is still hoping to keep Byrd in the Bills’ long-term mix.
“I can’t wait for Jairus to get in here. Obviously he’s a great player and a guy we have a lot of respect for,” said Brandon. “Once he’s here and we get through this year we want to try to continue the discussions and negotiations with (his agent) Eugene (Parker) and get him locked in long term.”
Byrd recorded five interceptions and forced four fumbles to go with his 53 tackles this past season, but was unable to agree on a long-term contract extension and is now sitting at home waiting for something to shake out. Brandon isn’t sure when that might happen, but noted that there are open lines of communication with the 26-year-old safety and team representatives.
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