Are the Saints STUCK With Keeping Free-Agent “Busts”?

Is Byrd Really The Word?

Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

I understand the common floating opinion by fans is to simply do what was done to players like Butler or Bailey, and simply release them since they aren’t living up to their big contracts along with lofty expectations.

Byrd has been a huge target beginning last year when the ballhawk had to undergo back surgery not long after signing with the Saints; and then looked lost during his limited time in 2014 before sustaining a knee injury and ending up on injured reserve.

The knee issue lingered into 2015, and the 6-year $54 million dollar contract he signed looks like the Saints bought a lemon — after he has 54 solo tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, and one interception for his two seasons with the team.

For Byrd the cap hit will be $10.9 million for 2016, but releasing him prior to June 1st means $11.4 million in dead cap space.

While I get the call to do something, I think that there will be a possible restructure to his contract (like he did earlier this year) instead of an outright release.

Byrd certainly hasn’t lived up to the contract, but it’s more likely from being used improperly in the “which way did he go George” defense the team has had the past few seasons.

With all the money in play and the possibility that Byrd might get some help on the roster as well as a better scheme to utilize his talents he shined while with the Buffalo Bills, then he’ll likely be in New Orleans for some time to come.

Next: Putting the 'B' in Bust