Bills won’t put tag on S Byrd

Jairus Byrd will hit the open market. (USATSI)

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The Bills won't be using their franchise tag in 2014. And, specifically, they won't be tagging safety Jairus Byrd.

Buffalo GM Doug Whaley announced the team's intentions on Monday afternoon, just a few minutes before the 4 p.m. ET deadline to place the franchise tag on players.

“We have negotiated with representation for Jairus Byrd for more than a year, but have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension," Whaley said. "We remain open to getting a deal done with Jairus, but we have chosen not to use the franchise tag on any of our impending unrestricted free agents."

Byrd, 27, made the Pro Bowl for the second-consecutive year in 2013 (and third time overall) and is one of the top safeties in the game, and our top-rated free agent now that he'll actually be hitting the market.

The Bills used the franchise tag on Byrd before the 2013 season and it created some serious animosity between the player and team. Byrd was open to a trade before the season and refused to sign his tender leading up to the season.

He eventually ended his holdout and joined the Bills, playing in 11 games, recording a sack and four interceptions.

Byrd stands to make a lot of cash on the open market.

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