Free Agents That The Atlanta Falcons Should Pursue
By Jake Bennett
Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) celebrates his first half interception against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
FS Jairus Byrd, Bills
Yahoo! Sports reported that they heard from sources that Thomas DeCoud would be cut before March 11th. DeCoud had a stellar season in 2012, but fell off considerably in 2013. Cutting him will leave a huge hole in the secondary, forcing the Falcons to search for an adequate replacement.
Jairus Byrd would make Atlanta’s secondary one of the top in the league, and would keep opposing offenses from tearing up the Falcons with the big play. Compared to DeCoud’s six year career, Byrd has accumulated more pass deflections (33), interceptions (22), forced fumbles (11), touchdowns (2), and stuffs (10) in just five years. While neither Atlanta’s or Buffallo’s defenses were nothing to brag about for the last several seasons, Byrd has considerably done more, with nearly the same factors around him.
Buffallo is unlikely to tag Byrd for a second straight season, allowing him to hit the open market. He will likely demand top dollar, but Atlanta could easily afford it.