Jairus Byrd and the Buffalo Bills were unable to agree on a long-term contract extension before training camp. Now comes the consequences.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Byrd won't report on time to Bills training camp, according to a source who's in regular contact with the veteran safety. It has been nearly one month since the last communication between the sides, NFL.com's Albert Breer reported.
The Buffalo News was first to report on Byrd's status.
It's unknown at this time when Byrd might show up. Byrd is the only franchise-tagged player who has yet to sign his tender. The tag is worth $6.9 million.
Byrd reportedly is looking for a deal that would make him the highest-paid safety in football. The Bills would like to keep him in Buffalo, but they believe his value falls somewhere in the top five salaries of the position.
Rapoport additionally reported that the Bills might trade Byrd. He'd have to consent by signing his franchise tag for that to happen. Because the deadline has passed for tagged players to sign a long-term contract, there can be no financial gain for Byrd.
As Breer pointed out, Byrd's only real play at this point is an attempt to secure provisions in his deal, specifically to prohibit the Bills from using the franchise tag on him in 2014.
Since Byrd is not under contract, the Bills cannot fine him for missing camp time. The likely scenario to play out is Byrd signs his tender shortly before the start of the regular season. Byrd might be disgruntled, but don't expect him to pass on game checks.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.