Canal Street Chronicles - NFL Free Agency 2014: Saints Sign Jairus Byrd to 6-year DealHome of the Who Dat Nation...where pigs fly and hell has frozen over.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48295/canal-street-fave.png2014-03-17T11:00:13-05:00http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/rss/stream/52627892014-03-17T11:00:13-05:002014-03-17T11:00:13-05:00Saints Mailbag Answers: Did Saints Overpay Byrd?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qMhCJnHgxB9BDYYm3KI6KJdKNMA=/0x80:3057x2118/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30186813/154124828.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Norm Hall</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Below are answers to the rest of the <a href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/15/5510776/nfl-free-agency-2014-new-orleans-saints-mailbag#comments">reader questions submitted Saturday</a>. Special thanks to all those that participated. Feel free to continue the discussion on any of these topics in the comment section below.</p> <p><b>Considering the market value for a safety AND Byrd wanted to sign with the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> anyway bcuz or our "winning tradition" do u think Loomis could've paid maybe $1 or $3 million less and we still would've gotten him?</b> - Fish B.</p>
<p>First of all, while Byrd's "winning tradition" comment was flattering, he said that <i>after</i> he signed his contract. That sounds like simple rhetoric to me. Give me $54 million and I will say whatever the hell you want. I wouldn't put too much stock in that. I am sure if the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> offered him more money, he'd be looking for houses in Jacksonville right now.</p>
<p>But to answer your question, Byrd was <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/443105408987578369" style="background-color: #ffffff;">asking for $8 million to $10 million a year from the very start</a>. As the top free agent safety on the market at the time, I think another team would have given him what he wanted if the Saints didn't give it to him first. And to be quite honest, I don't think a few million dollars over the course of 6 years really makes much of a difference in the grand scheme of things when we're talking about $54 million in total. Being thrifty just wouldn't be worth the risk if he was the guy the Saints really wanted.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><b>Are you buying into the "changed offense/more power running" narrative for the Saints in 2014 that has popped up with the Sproles trade?</b> - Hans D.</p>
<p>No, not completely. I'm certainly not against the idea but I just don't know whether the loss of one player (with the exception of a quarterback) means an entire philosophical change. That seems a bit extreme. What did <span>Darren Sproles</span> do that <span>Pierre Thomas</span> can't? Nothing, and Pierre is still on the team. After watching the entire 2012 season from his couch, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000168272/article/sean-payton-new-orleans-saints-will-stress-run-game">Sean Payton said last off-season</a> there would be more of a focus on the run game in 2013. That never really materialized... until the playoffs. He also said the run game <a href="http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/10/sean_payton_says_saints_runnin.html">needed to improve in 2010</a>. It seems like he says that every year, actually. So excuse me if I'm a bit skeptical. Payton may have good intentions, but I think his lack of patience gets in his own way.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><b>Salary cap hell next year?</b> - D. Boi</p>
<p>It's not looking too hot. Right now the Saints' current 2015 salary cap spending is at $118,820,579 for 36 players, which gives them 6th highest total salary in the league for next year. Add in salaries for another 15 players and it's even higher, probably at about $125,000,000 or more. And that doesn't include any dead money. As long as the Saints continue to sign big names to big contracts by pushing money into the future with long-term contracts and prorated bonuses they will continue to be in this same situation every year. The good news for the Saints is that it looks like the cap will be increasing significantly next year, just as it did this year.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><b>Which player release most surprised you?</b> - Ben D.</p>
<p>Honestly? None of them. <span>Will Smith</span>, <span>Roman Harper</span>, <span>Jabari Greer</span>, and <span>Lance Moore</span> all had bloated contracts that didn't equal their value on the football field. The writing was on the wall from the very start of the off-season. Unfortunately, football is a business. Every fan needs to realize that.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p><b>How frequent (or rare) is it that players on a team know who the organization is planning to take in the draft or who the front office and coaching staff likes heading into the draft?</b> - Paul B.</p>
<p>I honestly don't have any idea. My guess, however, would be that the front office doesn't discuss draft plans with any player. I suppose the coaching staff might ask a current player his opinion about a potential draft pick if they played for the same college team at the same time. I doubt it goes much beyond that.</p>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/17/5514418/nfl-free-agency-saints-jairus-byrd-contractDave Cariello2014-03-13T22:17:13-05:002014-03-13T22:17:13-05:00Jairus Byrd Infographic<img src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kXQF6e6KjlZaRGZQfu9ZnJrNaeI=/410x410/cdn.vox-cdn.com/fan_shot_images/323317/qM31tbD.jpg" />
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>via <a href="http://i.imgur.com/qM31tbD.jpg">i.imgur.com</a></p></p></div>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/13/5507170/jairus-byrd-infographicDave Cariello2014-03-12T19:14:41-05:002014-03-12T19:14:41-05:00Jairus Byrd Salary Breakdown
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g54PaMI8x6zlvt2yP4ii5znei6M=/0x58:556x429/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29947939/136100127.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Stewart</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The newest Saints safety will earn $27.9 million in the first three years but will only count $3.5 million against the 2014 salary cap. </p> <p>Below are the full details of Jairus Byrd's huge 6-year contract with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>. These come originally from Sportrac, but were taken <a href="http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2014/03/salary_breakdown_for_new_orlea.html">from Larry Holder's article</a>.</p>
<p><b>Year-by-Year:</b></p>
<p><b>2014:</b> $1.3 million base salary, $3.5 million cap number</p>
<p><b>2015:</b> $2 million base, $10.3 million cap number</p>
<p><b>2016:</b> $7.4 million base, $9.7 million cap number</p>
<p><b>2017:</b> $8.6 million base, $10.9 million cap number</p>
<p><b>2018:</b> $8.6 million base, $10.9 million cap number</p>
<p><b>2019:</b> $8.6 million base, $8.7 million cap number</p>
<p><b>Other notes:</b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>$20.3 million fully guaranteed</span></li>
<li><span>$11 million signing bonus</span></li>
<li><span>$6 million of 2016 base guaranteed for injury only</span></li>
<li><span>2015 roster bonus: $6 million (guaranteed)</span></li>
<li><span>2015-2019 workout bonus: $100,000</span></li>
</ul>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5502476/jairus-byrd-salary-cap-nflDave Cariello2014-03-12T10:00:15-05:002014-03-12T10:00:15-05:00Jairus Byrd: What to Expect
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Guo27cxsBN8D9wqtAWCXV7Rv508=/0x264:2657x2035/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29898621/20120726_kdl_bk3_574.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark Konezny-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Saints hope their new free agent safety will help create more turnovers in 2014. </p> <p>Now that the shock and awe of the <span>Jairus Byrd</span> signing is starting to wear off, it's time to talk about what we can actually expect from him on the football field. You remember the football field, don't you?</p>
<p>I checked in again with Brian Galliford of SB Nation's <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buffalo Bills</a> blog, <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Rumblings</a>, to get the lowdown on Byrd's playing style.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Byrd is the type of defensive back that changes the way coaches can structure coverages, because he has so much range on the back end despite only average straight-line speed. He's a playmaker; Byrd is always around the ball, trying to force fumbles in scrums and making plays on the ball in coverage. He's also definitely a deep safety; don't expect him to play close to the line of scrimmage.</p>
<p><span>Kenny Vaccaro</span> has a lot of athletic similarities to <span>Aaron Williams</span>, another Texas defensive back that the Bills just re-signed; they're both strong safety types that can match up in coverage. Byrd perfectly complements that kind of player.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<p>Oh yeah! I like what I'm hearing. We already know how much Rob Ryan values the safety position in his defense and it would appear Byrd fits perfectly in Ryan's master plan as a complement to Kenny Vaccaro. Vaccaro can be the hard-hitting thumper at the the line of scrimmage while leaving Byrd free to roam deep and make plays on the ball.</p>
<p>The big draw with Byrd is his ability to create turnovers, something I'm sure the <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> are focusing on improving in an attempt to return to 2009 form. Byrd had four interceptions in just eleven games last season, helping the Bills on their way to the NFL's second best interception rate behind only the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a>. Buffalo's defense also had seven multi-interception games in 2013. Byrd had another five INTs in 2012. In short, he's the anti-NCMF.</p>
<p>What do you guys think about the newest Saints player now? Have you heard anything else?</p>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5499456/saints-jairus-byrd-rob-ryanDave Cariello2014-03-12T09:29:13-05:002014-03-12T09:29:13-05:00Jairus Byrd Highlights<object width="425" class="mceItemFlash" height="350">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VmPVo3Fsp40">
<param name="wmode" value="transparent">
<embed wmode="transparent" width="425" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VmPVo3Fsp40" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350"></embed></object>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Jairus Byrd - Chronicles (via <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=VmPVo3Fsp40">NFLchronicles</a>)</p></p></div>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5500332/jairus-byrd-highlightsDave Cariello2014-03-12T07:00:08-05:002014-03-12T07:00:08-05:00Hello Byrd, Goodbye Jenkins [podcast]
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VZJVovIwII4MsNcNkOtqEbZFgvQ=/85x0:1013x619/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29897785/csc_da_chronic_2.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Want to join the fun or ask the guys a question, email them at <a href="mailto:cscpodcast@hotmail.com" target="_blank">cscpodcast@hotmail.com.</a></p> <p>The boys break down the first day of free agency. Ralph rails against blaming <span>Jimmy Graham</span> for the release of <span>Lance Moore</span> and trading of Darren Sproles. Kevin Held explains why Lance Moore was one of the all time fun <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> players.</p>
<p><span>Jairus Byrd</span> signing with the Saints during the podcast made Andrew nearly pass out. Kevin #Hireheld is not upset about <span>Malcolm Jenkins</span> going to Philly.</p>
<p>Kevin explains why he is happy the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> might have assured themselves mediocrity.</p>
<p>BREAKING NEWS: HELD HAS A GIRLFRIEND!</p>
<p>Andrew gets punked by his wife.</p>
<p>Props to Benson for dropping $54 million on Jairus Byrd. Should we care that the Saints might be mortgaging the future?</p>
<p>Plus Twitter questions like: Did Mickey offer Byrd a night on Bourbon St. with Rob Ryan to seal the deal?</p>
<p>P.S. - Donate and the audio quality stays awesome and don't forget to download our <a id="yui_3_7_2_1_1379385472768_5641" href="http://chronicpodcast.podbean.com/mobile/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">iphone app!</a> Listen to this podcast below. Get the feed <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://chronicpodcast.podbean.com/feed/">right here</a> and/or download it on iTunes<a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/chronicpodcast/id454883110"> right here.</a></p>
<p><b><i>WARNING:</i></b> podcast contains explicit language</p>
<p><iframe id="audio_iframe" src="http://www.podbean.com/media/player/audio/postId/5088284/url/http%253A%252F%252Fchronicpodcast.podbean.com%252F2014%252F03%252F11%252Fjairus-byrd-is-the-word-sproles-moore-are-gone-free-agent-insanity%252F/initByJs/1/auto/1?skin=12" width="100%" height="100" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5499374/nfl-free-agency-saints-jairus-byrd-malcolm-jenkinsMalbrough2014-03-12T05:00:04-05:002014-03-12T05:00:04-05:00Jairus Byrd Injury Concerns?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EZN2leKd1Kr5rWiRnDme8x0lhjw=/0x18:4000x2685/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29898119/156481318.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Stewart</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The shiny new Saints free agent signing does not come without a few questions marks. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> have made a huge splash Tuesday on the first day of free agency when they signed safety <span>Jairus Byrd</span> for $54 million over six years, making it the largest contract for a safety in NFL history.</p>
<p>But was that too much money considering Byrd's injury history? At least one NFL executive didn't think he was worth the big bucks, certainly not the biggest of bucks.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Got this from an NFL executive not in the Jairus Byrd sweepstakes: "Good player, but not clean health. I would not give him a ton of money."</p>
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeff_McLane/statuses/443463486761611264">March 11, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Injury concerns were confirmed by Brian Galliford of SB Nation's <a href="http://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Rumblings</a>, who shared a little history with me.</p>
<p>
<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3608425/mustreads.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
<blockquote>
<p>The injury thing is significant. He missed practices late in the 2012 season with a vaguely-described foot injury, and then when he came back to the team last August after missing camp, he promptly took six or seven weeks to get back onto the field. That's when the reports surfaced that he'd been battling plantar fasciitis in both feet...</p>
</blockquote>
<p>It's definitely something we should all be aware of. Hope for the best, naturally. Besides, there's good news. When Byrd is on the field, he's awesome. More from Galliford:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He played 10 games on those feet last year, though, and made a Pro Bowl and second team All-Pro anyway.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I guess we'll find out.</p>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/12/5499416/jairus-byrd-saints-injuries-free-agentDave Cariello2014-03-11T21:21:51-05:002014-03-11T21:21:51-05:00Jairus Byrd Deal Worth $54 Million
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QtMy2cxwzQpGQ0k0TCxg6TnPML8=/0x6:1000x673/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29890817/130978830.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Saints have outdone themselves with a huge $54 million contract for Jairus Byrd, with $28 million of that guaranteed. </p> <p>More details have emerged about <span>Jairus Byrd's</span> new contract with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a>.</p>
<p>His 6-year deal is apparently worth $54 million with $28 million of that in guaranteed money. That's $9 million a year.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Saints are giving former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> S Jairus Byrd a six-year, $54 million contract, including $28 million guaranteed, per source.</p>
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/statuses/443564616140849152">March 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Yowza! That's a big fat contract. The biggest ever for a safety, in fact.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Jairus Byrd gets the largest contract ever handed out to a safety -- $54 mil/$28 guarantee. $4 mil more than Eric Berry did in 2010.</p>
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotShorrParks/statuses/443565716349153280">March 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Double yowza! Considering how little salary cap space the Saints have, I would hope this means they're really confident a long-term deal with <span>Jimmy Graham</span> is going to get done, which would push the current $7,035,000 franchise tag salary he's on the hook for into future years and free up some room. I'm sure his contract is very light on the front end and very heavy on the back end.</p>
https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2014/3/11/5498792/jairus-byrd-deal-saints-54-millionDave Cariello