The Buffalo Bills and franchised safety Jairus Byrd have until July 15 to agree to a multi-year contract, but that appears unlikely with the arrival of Monday's news. The two sides are not close to a deal and have no talks scheduled, according to a report from Tim Graham of The Buffalo News.
Jairus Byrd, Bills not close to a deal, per report
The deadline to sign franchise players to multi-year extensions is looming, but the Bills and Jairus Byrd are not close to a deal.
Norm Hall
More: Byrd Watch Buffalo Rumblings
If Byrd and the Bills do not agree to an extension by the July 15 deadline, Byrd would not be allowed to sign an extension until after the 2013 season. With no talks between the Bills and Eugene Parker, Byrd’s agent, expected until the deadline, it may be a while until Byrd is back in a Bills uniform.
Technically a free agent, Byrd is not required to report to training camp or any other organized activity and cannot be fined by the organization. And, as long as he reports by Week 10 of the regular season, he will accrue a season of service time and become a free agent in the offseason.
The Bills could rescind the franchise tag before Byrd signs, but that would make him an unrestricted free agent. Though he can’t sign a multi-year deal after the July 15 deadline, Byrd could sign a one-year deal worth more or less than his $6.916 million franchise tender. The safety could also sign an offer sheet with another team, though the Bills would have first right of refusal.
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