Archives for March 2, 2013

‘”Now that Jairus got his franchise tag, there’s a week and a half for them to work a deal out with me. But I haven’t been offered anything yet. We’re waiting around to see if something will pop up.”‘

‘It also means that unlike defensive backs George Wilson (who has already signed with Tennessee) and Terrence McGee, linebacker Nick Barnett, and defensive end Chris Kelsay (retired), Byrd will not be an ex-Bill. At least not in 2013.’

‘Byrd isn’t required to accept the offer, and he’s also not prevented from negotiating with other teams. The Bills, however, will have the right to match any offers made to Byrd.’

‘The two-time Pro Bowl selection has started 57 of 62 games since joining the Bills as a second-round pick in the 2009 draft. He is tied for third in the NFL with 18 interceptions since 2009 and last year tied for the AFC lead with five picks.’

‘With the tag, Byrd is guaranteed a one-year salary of $6.916 million, but both he and the Bills have until July 15 to negotiate and agree to a long-term contract. If the two sides do not come to an agreement by that date, Byrd can only sign a one-year deal with the team and will then go through the whole process again in 2014.’

‘The club did not disclose whether they used the non-exclusive or exclusive franchise tag. The non-exclusive franchise tag still allows other clubs the opportunity to sign Byrd to an offer sheet and gives the Bills the right to match any offer. If Byrd is signed by another club and Buffalo chooses not to match the Bills would be awarded a pair of first round draft choices from the club that signed Byrd.’