NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Release Jairus Byrd
New Orleans learned their lesson when it comes to NFL free agency
Once a major free agent addition, Jairus Byrd is back looking for a new job just three years into a long-term contract.
The New Orleans Saints have reportedly informed Byrd they will release him by the first official day of free agency.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported the Saints plans to release the veteran safety in the coming days.
Source: The #Saints will release big-money safety Jairus Byrd on first day of FA. Another top DB available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2017
Byrd signed a six-year contract worth $54 million with New Orleans prior to the 2014 season that has proven to be a massive mistake for the Saints. The veteran struggled to stay on the field, and missed 12 games his first year with New Orleans.
By releasing Byrd the Saints will save $3.7 million but still have to designate a large portion of their salary cap towards dead money for Byrd. Approximately $14 million will be paid out to Byrd through the 2019 season, even if he never plays another NFL game.
Byrd will have a tough time finding a suitor in the NFL free agency market given his age and unreliability.
Expect Byrd to sign a cheap one-year contract where he must prove himself to earn non-guaranteed money.
Through 33 games with the Saints, the safety had 110 tackles and three interceptions. At the time of Byrd signing with New Orleans the buzz in free agency was whether he or Malcolm Jenkins was the better choice on the market.
Since signing with the Eagles Jenkins has started every game over three seasons at either safety or cornerback, and also earned his first Pro Bowl selection.