The New Orleans Saints have spent much of the last week clearing salary cap room. On Tuesday, they decided to spend it in a big way.
The team announced it agreed to terms on a six-year contract with safety Jairus Byrd. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Saints are paying him $56 million with $28 million gauranteed.
Byrd will pair with second-year pro Kenny Vaccaro to form the best safety duo East of Seattle. Byrd, who was our No. 1 ranked player who made it to free agency, is the perfect deep middle safety for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to use. Byrd is also versatile enough to line up all over the field, giving Ryan countless formation options with Byrd and Vaccaro on the field at the same time.
We've heard for weeks about the Saints' dire cap situation. They plan to tradeDarren Sproles, which should open up even more space. It's possible that more cost-cutting moves are coming.
This contract proves that teams can always find a way to make a big move in the salary cap era. Not too far removed from fielding one of the worst defenses in NFL history, the Saints' defense looks quite dangerous now.
In the latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys study the free agency picture with the help of NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
