If you decide how valuable a player is based solely on stats, you don't know what you're talking about. He had less passes defensed because QBs aren't throwing his way as often.
He's the best tackler on the team, creates the most turnovers, is good against the run, etc...You're a fool if you think any player wants the franchise tag, especially at a young age like Byrd.
The Bills are stupid for even letting it get this far...they should've signed him last year and avoided the franchise tag altogether.