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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
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    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
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    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
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  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
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2014 Free Agent Profile: Jarius Byrd

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The New Orleans Saints made a clear "live for today" type move by signed Jarius Byrd to a big deal (Image: sporttrac.com)
By: Matt Harmon
March 17, 2013

Backyard Banter free agent breakdown tier:

High-end starter


How he fits with the Saints:

Jarius Byrd is well known as one of the best ball-hawk safeties in the NFL. He will fit in seamlessly with Rob Ryan’s aggressive defense in New Orleans.

The Pro Bowler will replace departed starter, Malcolm Jenkins. Byrd is an upgrade in every sense of the word. He is a superior player in coverage, and doesn’t shy away from physical football like Jenkins. The two just are not comparable players.

Jarius Byrd will play alongside the Saints’ 2013 first round pick, Kenny Vaccarro. The former University of Texas star is a very versatile player; adapt in man coverage and near the line of scrimmage. Byrd’s presence will allow Vaccarro to play with more controlled chaos, something he excels at. The Saints have one hell of a young safety tandem between these two players. The duo might be regarded as second only to Seattle’s group soon enough. 

During the lead up to the free agency period, Jarius Byrd was described as Earl Thomas-lite. While he doesn’t have the out of this world range that Thomas possesses—no one does—Byrd can certainly cover a ton of ground. He will make up for the mistakes of his teammates, and can close on the ball in a hurry.

The Saints haven’t had a playmaker like this in the secondary since Darren Sharper. Jarius Byrd brings that sort of highlight reel play, and a little more. The Saints defense will be even more deadly in 2014.


What he leaves behind with the Bills:

The Bills probably knew Byrd wasn’t long for Buffalo after their contract dispute last offseason. Even though they might have seen his departure coming, it doesn’t mean they were ready for it.

The Bills gave Aaron Williams a nice contract extension right before Byrd was set to hit free agency. It was a signal that they knew Byrd was gone, and that they believed the former college cornerback would be a capable replacement. Williams has been a starter for Buffalo, but will now assume the lead safety role.

Da’Norris Searcy is the player in line for more snaps now that Byrd is a Saint. Searcy saw a good amount of action last season, as Buffalo’s franchise player dealt with a few nagging injuries. During this time, Searcy proved himself just about an average starter. He isn’t a real liability, but doesn’t offer anything special.

With the combination of Williams and Searcy, the Bills will not be as good on the backend. Williams is a fine player, and an above average starter. However, he doesn’t offer the dynamic ability of Jarius Byrd.

The Bills clearly didn’t value Byrd as highly as New Orleans, and other teams, did. Unfortunately, there is no getting around the fact they will be worse off without him on the roster.


Contract Analysis:

Saints are giving former Bills S Jairus Byrd a six-year, $54 million contract, including $28 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2014
Here is where things get interesting for the Saints. It was well known around the league that New Orleans had serious salary cap issues heading into this offseason. The team released several players just to get under the cap, and comfortably franchise tag tight end, Jimmy Graham. 

Adding a player of Jarius Byrd’s caliber, and price tag, seemed inconceivable for the New Orleans Saints. General manager, Mickey Loomis, is known as a shrewd money manager, and he struck again with Byrd’s contract. 

When you look at Byrd’s six year, $56 million dollar deal, it’s hard to fathom how the Saints can afford him at $9 million annually. A closer look reveals that the deal is structured so that Byrd will only count $3.5 million against this year’s cap. This allows the Saints to keep the band together for a deep playoff run in 2014.

However, the picture isn’t so rosy afterwards. Byrd’s cap number jumps to $10.3 million in 2015. He will hover between an $11 and $9 million charge for the life of the contract. The Saints clearly view themselves as big time contenders for the next several seasons with Drew Brees at the helm. They are willing to mortgage the future for the present.

While it’s nice the Saints obtained a great player in Byrd they are taking a big risk. Not only will they soon be in an unmanageable salary cap hell, they will suffer in the near future. 

The move to obtain Byrd means that the Saints sit at just under $2 million in cap space. The team desperately needs upgrades on the offensive line, and will require more room to sign their draft picks. Its also fair to wonder what this means for Jimmy Graham. The superstar tight end needs a new contract very soon, and he will cost a ton. It seems impossible that the Saints would find room for him when the time comes next offseason. You could debate whether adding Byrd is worth losing an elite talent like Graham.

In the NFL, the salary cap is more often an excuse than a true deterrent. Loomis is a good example of how general managers can always manufacture room. However, in this instance, it’s hard to see how the Saints will manage the impending storm. 


Predicting 2014 production and beyond:

Ed Reed turned into a Hall of Famer playing for Rob Ryan’s brother in Baltimore. Jarius Byrd could see similar production in Ryan’s attacking defense. 

With an underrated front seven—featuring Cam Jordan and Junior Gallette—harassing quarterbacks, Byrd will feast. The now former Bills’ safety is used to playing on a team with a good pass rush, and knows how to exploit the chances that affords him. He might approach his career high interception number of nine now that he’s in this defense. 

The Saints have a near shutdown corner in Keenan Lewis. Ryan can lock him up with one receiver, drop Vaccarro into the box, and Byrd can cover the other side of the field. If the Saints manage to upgrade their cornerback depth, Ryan can be even more creative with his new toy. 

Having a rangy safety like Jarius Byrd means the team can play more bump and run, man coverage. Ryan already does plenty of this, but can better pull it off now that he has the requisite third level of defense. The already ascending Saints’ defense got much better by adding one of the NFL’s best young safeties to the mix. 

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