Jairus

Byrd

Both acquired in the second round of the 2009 draft, Byrd and Levitre emerged as nucleus players last season after disappointing sophomore seasons. They will be next on the docket after the front office extends Fred Jackson’s contract.

Buscaglia, a trustworthy beat writer, calls Byrd a “complete NFL safety” and a priority for the team to lock up long term. Owed just $615,000 in the last year of his rookie deal, the 25-year-old Byrd recorded 98 tackles, three forced fumbles, and three interceptions in 2011 while starting all 16 games.

Byrd is entering the final year of his rookie deal, where he’ll earn just $615,000. Nix also hopes to lock up LG Andy Levitre and G/C Kraig Urbik. “We definitely want those guys back,” Nix said. “I think they want to be back and we want them back and when the time comes we’ll get started on it.” Deemed the Bills’ “best defensive player” in 2011 by respected beat writer Joe Buscaglia, Byrd graded out as Pro Football Focus’ third best safety in the league.

This comes on the heels of the Bills’ official website declaring Chandler the offense’s “biggest playmaker” during OTAs and minicamps. Although his passing-game impact was limited primarily to the red zone last season, it’s become evident that Chandler is emerging as “one of Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite two targets.” He’s arrived on the TE2 radar.

Byrd is a playmaker. In 46 career games, he has recorded 13 interceptions, six forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. With the additions of Mario Williams, Mark Anderson and Stephon Gilmore, this defensive unit has some sleeper appeal in fantasy formats that reward big plays.

The Bills gave no details immediately following the game. Through four weeks, Byrd was on the IDP radar with 24 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup. His backup is 2011 fourth-rounder Da’Norris Searcy.

Byrd was forced from Sunday’s loss with a hip pointer, but sounds like he’ll be fine for Week 5 against the 49ers. Byrd has also dealt with a hip injury this season. He’s racked up 24 tackles and a pick through four games.

No signing is imminent. GM Buddy Nix made a new contract for Byrd a priority last offseason, but this is the first report we’ve seen that talks are ongoing. Byrd was defensive MVP last year, and leads the team in interceptions (four)and forced fumbles (three) while ranking third with 56 tackles this season. Pro Football Focus ranks Byrd second behind only Eric Weddle among free safeties through 11 games.

“He’s taken a step back,” coach Chan Gailey said Wednesday. “He’s going to struggle to make some practice this week, so we’ll have to see. It may be a gametime decision on him.” Byrd’s absence would be a huge boon for rookie Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden. The Bills will be forced to go with Da’Norris Searcy if the linchpin of their secondary can’t play.

“Very limited out there on Thursday, but Jairus practiced Friday,” said Gailey. If he doesn’t play or cannot make it through the game, Da’Norris Searcy would get the nod at free safety.