Talks between safety Jairus Byrd and the Buffalo Bills are at a stalemate according to ESPN's James Walker. "All has been quiet on both sides with the deadline to negotiate an extension fast approaching," the report says.
The deadline for signing players with the franchise tag to longer-term deals is July 15, just over a week away.
Under the franchise tag, Byrd would be owed $6.9 million by the Bills, and of course, he would be free to shop himself around after the conclusion of the season.
Over the course of his four seasons in the NFL, Byrd has intercepted 18 passes, made two Pro Bowls and played in all but two games for the Bills, all very impressive accomplishments in his still young career.
At 26 years old, it would make sense for Byrd to holdout for the best possible deal the Bills could give him. Barring a terrible season, he'll demand top dollar as a safety in free agency, partially because of his performance and also due to his still young age. In addition, he has to determine how much he wants to win a championship in the NFL. With the Bills, it will take at least a few more years to get into contention, and that's assuming the current regime pans out.
Right now, the safe money is on Byrd playing under the franchise tag in 2013 and moving on to greener pastures through free agency, but a big offer from the Bills could change all that.
