FS Byrd to join Bills after signing tender
Free safety Jairus Byrd signed a one-year franchise tender with the Buffalo Bills, the team announced Tuesday night.
Designated the Bills' franchise player on March 1, Byrd had not taken part in training camp and missed the team's first two preseason games.
With Byrd accepting the $6.916 million franchise tender, contract negotiations will be placed on hold until the conclusion of the 2013 season.
In four NFL seasons, Byrd has 18 interceptions and 308 tackles. He has not missed a game the past three seasons.
Byrd, 26, will not report for the final day of training camp on Wednesday iat St. John Fisher College but rejoin the team when it returns to Buffalo on Thursday, BuffaloBills.com reported.
With a new coaching staff, one of Byrd's first tasks will be acclimating himself to different defensive schemes.
"It's a new system, and it's an intricate system," Bills general manager Doug Whaley said. "Safeties do make a lot of calls, so he's missed that. ... So he's going to have some ground to make up, but he's a professional. I know he'll come in here ready to work and try to contribute as soon as possible."
