As training camp nears, Jairus Byrd's contract stalemate with the Buffalo Billsrages onward.
As a franchise-tag designated player, Byrd and the Bills have until Monday to finalize a new deal, but WGR-AM reported Friday that the prospects are grim.
"I would be completely and utterly shocked if there was a deal done by Monday," a league source familiar with the team told the radio station. "There are no talks going on. Someone would have to seriously cave."
The source described Byrd's agent, Eugene Parker, as a fierce negotiator who's unwilling to budge and is looking for premier-safety-caliber money.
"The reason why Byrd is getting tagged is for the simple fact that they just can't get a deal done," a second league source told the station. "From what I understand, they're pushing for numbers in and around what Eric Weddle is at and also keeping the Dashon Goldson deal in perspective, as well."
Schein Nine: Most fascinating players
Adam Schein spotlights intriguing players across the NFL, including one rookie who's spawned an entirely new position. **More ...**
Weddle signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the San Diego Chargers in 2011, with $19 million in guarantees. Goldson's five-year, $41.25 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came with $18 million in guarantees. The second source doesn't believe Buffalo "values that position enough to pay at that level."
Byrd, the Bills' only legitimate playmaker in the secondary, has shown no interest in signing his $6.9 million tender, but his leverage vanishes if he can't agree to a contract in time. We'll keep an eye on this one.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
