Jairus Byrd, safety, New Orleans Saints
#Saints deep at safety for now — but financial decisions loom on Jairus Byrd, Kenny Vaccaro https://t.co/oX1ZXJK5tD
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) February 17, 2017
The Saints laid out a red carpet to land Byrd a few years ago in free agency, paying him $26.3 million guaranteed on a six-year, $54 million contract. That season, he was viewed as a hot commodity as a ball-hawking safety who had nabbed 22 interceptions in five seasons with the Buffalo Bills to start his career.
The past three seasons in New Orleans, Byrd has missed 15 games due to injury and has managed just three interceptions. This past year, he did manage to pile up some big tackle numbers (82) and intercepted two passes. But he’s a 30-year-old safety whose best days are well behind him.
On top of that, Byrd is due to count $11.7 million against the cap. The Saints can save $3.7 million by cutting him, which is something they would be wise to do.
There is always the chance that the Saints approach Byrd about taking a pay cut to stay with the team. But this team needs an infusion of youth, and there are other safeties out there who could make a much bigger impact.
Byrd’s skills are receding and it’s time to build the defense anew with young talent.