Free safety Jairus Byrd plans to skip the Buffalo Bills’ mandatory minicamp this week.
Byrd, designated the franchise player of the Bills on March 1, said he’ll stay away from the team until he has a contract.
Point of fact — Byrd isn’t considered a holdout, but an unsigned franchise free agent. That means he cannot practice, by virtue of not signing his one-year, $6.9 million franchise tender with the Bills. Byrd and Denver Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady are the lone unsigned franchise players, who have until July 15 to reach a long-term extension with their team.
Byrd has sought a long-term contract, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement. The franchise tag will ensure Byrd’s one-year salary and keeps him in Buffalo another season while discussions continue on a new deal.
A second-round draft pick in 2009, Byrd has played his entire career with the Bills. He started all 16 games last season and had five interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
In starting 57 of 62 career games, Byrd is second in the league since 2009 with 18 interceptions and has been selected to a pair of Pro Bowls.