Dec. 2, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jordan Shipley (16) drops a pass while getting tackled by Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Jacksonville 34 to 18. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Are the Buffalo Bills going to sign and trade their star safety?
With the signing period for Franchised tagged players coming to an end on July 15th, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the Bills and Byrd will not come to an agreement this spring to keep him in Buffalo for the long term. The two sides have not talked lately and as of now there are no plans that we know of to start talking.
So, what does that mean for the two sides?
Judging from Byrd’s comments in interviews with Chris Brown of buffalobills.com. Byrd wants to play for a winning team.
“You’ve just got to look at where the team is headed, what’s going on with the situation,” Byrd said.
Unfortunately I think Jairus has looked at the situation in Buffalo and has decided that this is not where he wants to play. With Eugene Parker, who helped orchestrate the Jason Peters holdout and trade, as his agent, I believe that we are in for more of the same. I don’t think that Byrd will sign his tag and I do believe that he will hold out as long as he can before he has to report.
Where does that leave the Bills? After next Monday they can hope that he signs his franchise tag or a different one year deal and then hope to sign him long term after the season. That leaves open the large possibility that he will become a free agent and the Bills get nothing back when he leaves. That’s why you try to complete a sign and trade before the season starts so that it doesn’t become a distraction to the team once the season begins.
Don’t kid yourselves folks, this team is still in the rebuilding stage. Further along for sure but still rebuilding. If we could get a first round draft choice ( or maybe more) for a player who is likely going to leave next year anyway, shouldn’t we do it?
If we do trade Byrd and receive some extra draft picks we could use them next year to move up in the draft for one the franchise Quarterbacks that are available. With that in mind, do we start EJ Manuel earlier to see what we have in him?
What do you think? Do we trade one of the best safeties in the league to make sure that we can shore up our Quarterback situation for the future? Let me know with your comments.