Jairus Byrd, Saints Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

In a move that will conceivably make them bigger players in free agency, the New Orleans Saints restructured the contract of safety Jairus Byrd Thursday.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Saints saved nearly $5 million against the salary cap by making Byrd's roster bonus a signing bonus instead:

Byrd was New Orleans' big acquisition in free agency last season, but he was limited to just four games after suffering a torn lateral meniscus.

It was a disappointing start to his tenure with the Saints, but better days are ahead as the 28-year-old defensive back revealed that he is healthy and ready for the 2015 campaign:

Byrd spent the first five seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills where he became one of the NFL's best safeties. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he racked up an impressive 22 interceptions.

The Saints are hopeful that he will make a similar impact in 2015, and now they have the ability to add some more pieces around him as well.

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