The Buffalo Bills elected not to place the franchise tag on safety Jairus Byrd this season in hopes it could smooth discussions surrounding a long-term contract for Byrd to remain in Western New York.
It shouldn’t hurt that Byrd apparently wants to stick around with the Bills either.
The Bills already signed safety Aaron Williams to a four-year contract extension earlier this week. Byrd, meanwhile, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
Williams joined Alex Marvez and Phil Savage on Sirius XM NFL Radio on Thursday to discuss his own extension with the Bills and Byrd’s impending free agency. Williams said that Byrd wants to remain in Buffalo.
“I know that they’re still negotiating. I don’t want to speak on their situation because I have no say, nor do I know the full story on it, but I know Jairus does want to come back and wants to be a part of something special. Jairus and I have a great friendship. We communicate non-stop,” Williams said.
“Actually, I had the chance to talk to him last night and I wish him the best regardless of if he stays or doesn’t. We’re always going to have a great relationship with each other and always going to keep in touch. We have a great chemistry together on the field. They know that we’re probably one of the best duos of safeties in the league and I’m pretty sure they want to keep him.”
Byrd has been named an All-Pro three times in five seasons with the Bills including each of the last two seasons. If both sides get their wish, Byrd will have the chance to add more All-Pro selections to his resume in Buffalo.