Saints sign Jairus Byrd to six year deal

[Guest]

The Saints weren't supposed to have any money and Jairus Byrd -- our top available free agent -- wanted a lot of money. So it's pretty, pretty, pret-tah surprising that the two came together on a six-year contract.

But that's what happened late on Tuesday, with the team announcing the deal after we learned that Byrd was taking a visit to the Bayou.


The structure of this contract should be fascinating to see, given that the Saints came into free agency just $2.4 million under the salary cap and needing to pay Jimmy Graham. (I'm sure he's just thrilled that they're handing out contracts!)

New Orleans still has room to move -- Darren Sproles is reportedly getting dealt, even if he doesn't know it -- but there's just not a lot of space there. It's what makes the move particularly impressive.

From a strict football perspective, this is awesome news for the Saints. Kenny Vaccaro and Byrd as a safety combination is going to be ridiculous. They'll thump people across the middle and should generate plenty of turnovers in Rob Ryan's defense.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-...-six-year-deal

Great move to upgrade their defense, a unit that definitely showed major improvement last season. It will be interesting to see how the money situation works out.

EDIT: seeing $28 million is the number for guaranteed money.

[Aso]

Byrd and Vaccaro at Safety with Keenan Lewis at CB. Extremely good secondary and defense overall.

[Guest]

They're following the Seahawks formula, but they also gave $28 million guaranteed to Byrd. Definitely trying to use the next two years as their window to win. What will be interesting is how they move money aside for Graham.

[Point Blank]

Bastards!

[Maynard]

fucking blows - i dont know why the browns didnt sign him instead of whitner.

[KNUBB]

Holy shit!

[MVPete]

[KNUBB]

Oh there will be rape

[Guest]

I saw this morning where Byrd has yet to play a full season due to either injuries or suspension......lots of cash for that risk now.

[cmnelson87]

They're following the Seahawks formula, but they also gave $28 million guaranteed to Byrd. Definitely trying to use the next two years as their window to win. What will be interesting is how they move money aside for Graham.

But Seattle could do it because their starting QB is playing on a 3rd round rookie contract. They are already making moves to account for the new deal Wilson will get after this season.

New Orleans is basically going all in to win with Brees right now.