‘”We place a value on a person or player, they have a value they have in their mind, and we just have not been able to meet,” said Bills general manager Doug Whaley, referring to finding agreement on a deal with Byrd and his agent, Eugene Parker.’
Archives for March 4, 2014
Buffalo Bills won’t use franchise tag on Jairus Byrd
‘”We valued Byrd as a very good player, one we want to keep, and we did everything we could to do that,” general manager Doug Whaley said. “We place a value on a player, they have a value in their mind, and we have not been able to work through it. We are very comfortable with the significant offer that we made to those guys.”‘
Six NFLers tagged — but not Bills’ Jairus Byrd
‘Earning $15.349 million over two years — guaranteed — would have been a pretty good deal even for an elite safety, which Byrd certainly is. But he rightfully is aching for a long-term deal, and deserves one.’
Bills choose not to place franchise tag on S Byrd
‘The Bills could lose their top defensive back on a unit that showed considerable improvement last season. Though Buffalo struggled against the run, the defense finished 10th in the NFL in yards allowed – its best ranking since a second-place finish in 2004. The Bills also finished second in the league with a franchise-record 57 sacks.’
Byrd avoids franchise tag from Bills
‘According to a league source, the Bills explored all avenues, including the possibilities of trading the Pro Bowl safety, but will now allow him to reach unrestricted free agency if no deal is reached between them by March 11.’
Bills will not use franchise tag in 2014
‘”We have negotiated with representation for Jairus Byrd for more than a year, but have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension,” said Whaley. “We remain open to getting a deal done with Jairus, but we have chosen not to use the franchise tag on any of our impending unrestricted free agents.”‘
Whaley not closing door on Byrd yet
‘”It’s a negotiation,” Whaley said. “We still have some time to get it done so we’re not closing the door on it. We’re hopeful. We’re optimistic, but we’ll see where it goes from here.”‘
LB Willie Jefferson released
‘Jefferson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans following the 2013 NFL Draft and appeared in six games with Houston before being released on October 21. The 6-5, 241-pound linebacker earned All-Southland Conference first-team accolades as a senior at Stephen F. Austin and totaled 36 tackles with a team-high 8.0 sacks and five forced fumbles in 11 games.’