NFL Free Agency: Jairus Byrd seeking an average of $9 million per season
By Mike Dyce
The Buffalo Bills put the franchise tag on safety Jairus Byrd last year, and after saying they were willing and able to do so again, they decided against it. It might be because they felt like negotiating a long term contract with him wouldn’t work because his demands are too high, reportedly over $9 million per year.
From Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report:
"The issue is how much Byrd is worth. The word on the street is he wants north of $9 million per year. That is a lot of cabbage for a safety—any safety—and that explains why the Bills apparently will allow him to get to the open market."
Bills and general manager Dough Whaley praised Byrd and still are committed to bringing him back to Buffalo.
“He’s a Pro Bowl player, what is there not to love,” said Whaley. “He’s an exceptional player and an exceptional person on and off the field so hopefully this thing works out. If it doesn’t it won’t be for lack of trying and lack of want.
“(It comes down) to what they’re thinking compared to what we’re thinking and hopefully we can mesh the two together and get something done.”