by Chad Jones
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| Will the Buffalo Bills sign Jairus Byrd? |
The 2009 2nd Rounder is one of the premier safeties in the league. At 26, he's entering his Prime and looking to be paid accordingly. The Bills applied the One Year Franchise Tag, which will pay $ 6.92 Million for the 2013 season. All longterm extension talks have stagnated, with both sides far apart. It appears on the surface to be a money issue, but it's related to a multitude of other factors.
The Bills could hypothetically apply the Franchise Tag to Byrd again in 2014, essentially destroying his open market value. Byrd could sign elsewhere, but it's highly unlikely- as the team he signed with would have to surrender 2 First Round Picks. The Bills are in the position to control Byrd for the next two seasons. Byrd could decide to forego the season (unlikely), or become a major distraction (Likely), or negotiate a deal that works for both sides.
Controlling Byrd for the next two seasons at $ 15.224 Million, Byrd's representative Eugene Parker has had heated discussions with Management about an extension. Many anticipate he'll seek a deal comparable to Dashon Goldson, who signed with Tampa Bay this offseason for 5 Years 41.25 Million (18.0 M Guaranteed).
Byrd's Agent Eugene Parker has a major dilemma. Given the unlikelihood his Client is willing to sit out the season, he'd likely be forced to sign the Franchise Tenders for 2013 & 2014. That would mean he's not eligible for Unrestricted Free Agency until 2015, entering his Age 28 season.
What Parker is truly aiming to accomplish is what he did with another client, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. He's seeking to broker a 4 Year contract that pays Byrd top Safety Money, with the Bills guaranteeing they will not utilize the Franchise Tag at the deals conclusion. That would make Byrd eligible for a 3rd Professional Contract entering his Age 29 season.
The Bills would likely prefer to lockup Byrd to a 5-6 year contract, that spreads financial commitments over a longer period & locks Byrd in until he's 31. Parker will vehemently oppose this structure, as he sees the difficult market players 30+ encounter. Ultimately, both sides have to give & take. The Bills could completely acquiesce to Parker's demands- Byrd signs the 6.92 M Tender for 2013 & the Bills contractually agree to not Franchise Byrd next year. This takes the Bills leverage away entirely. The best deal for Buffalo is locking in Byrd for the 4 Years Parker is seeking, while in the process agreeing to take the Franchise Tag off the table when the deal expires.
The Bills could hypothetically apply the Franchise Tag to Byrd again in 2014, essentially destroying his open market value. Byrd could sign elsewhere, but it's highly unlikely- as the team he signed with would have to surrender 2 First Round Picks. The Bills are in the position to control Byrd for the next two seasons. Byrd could decide to forego the season (unlikely), or become a major distraction (Likely), or negotiate a deal that works for both sides.
Controlling Byrd for the next two seasons at $ 15.224 Million, Byrd's representative Eugene Parker has had heated discussions with Management about an extension. Many anticipate he'll seek a deal comparable to Dashon Goldson, who signed with Tampa Bay this offseason for 5 Years 41.25 Million (18.0 M Guaranteed).
Byrd's Agent Eugene Parker has a major dilemma. Given the unlikelihood his Client is willing to sit out the season, he'd likely be forced to sign the Franchise Tenders for 2013 & 2014. That would mean he's not eligible for Unrestricted Free Agency until 2015, entering his Age 28 season.
What Parker is truly aiming to accomplish is what he did with another client, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald. He's seeking to broker a 4 Year contract that pays Byrd top Safety Money, with the Bills guaranteeing they will not utilize the Franchise Tag at the deals conclusion. That would make Byrd eligible for a 3rd Professional Contract entering his Age 29 season.
The Bills would likely prefer to lockup Byrd to a 5-6 year contract, that spreads financial commitments over a longer period & locks Byrd in until he's 31. Parker will vehemently oppose this structure, as he sees the difficult market players 30+ encounter. Ultimately, both sides have to give & take. The Bills could completely acquiesce to Parker's demands- Byrd signs the 6.92 M Tender for 2013 & the Bills contractually agree to not Franchise Byrd next year. This takes the Bills leverage away entirely. The best deal for Buffalo is locking in Byrd for the 4 Years Parker is seeking, while in the process agreeing to take the Franchise Tag off the table when the deal expires.
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