Report: Bills place franchise tag on Jairus Byrd

Bills safety Jairus Byrd was franchised on Friday keeping him off the free agent market. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills  placed a franchise tender on Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd on Friday, ensuring one of the team’s top defenders will be in a Bills uniform next season, the team announced.

The tag will guarantee Byrd $6.916 million for the 2013 season once he signs the tender. The Bills had until March 4th at 4 pm to make use of the franchise or transition tag. The sides have until mid-July to work out a multi-year deal. The two sides have talked about a long-term contract and could still come to an agrement on one.

Byrd had 76 tackles, five interceptions and four forced fumbles with the Bills last season.

Bills are placing franchise tag on S Jairus Byrd.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 01, 2013