Saints’ winning culture sells Byrd on New Orleans
By Jeff Adcox
It was one and done for Jairus Byrd and the New Orleans Saints. Byrd, one of the most highly sought after defensive free agents of the year, didn’t even visit another team. The three-time All-Pro came, saw and stayed.
"“Just the opportunity to come here and be around a winning culture – you have a great coach in Coach (Sean) Payton, a great quarterback in Drew Brees,” Byrd said. “What this defense is doing with Coach (Rob) Ryan and his leadership, I’m just excited to be a piece and just trying to get us to where we need to be.“When I was here, talking to everybody, it was just one of those things where this is a great opportunity for me to win games and be in a position where I can be better and further my legacy. That’s what I want to do.”"
In his career, Byrd has 22 interceptions to go along with 11 forced fumbles in five seasons.
During his visit, Byrd spoke with Payton and Ryan to discuss his role on defense. He must have liked what he heard.