NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Buffalo Bills safety Jairus Byrd will miss the start of the season because of a lingering plantar fasciitis injury. It appears Byrd is bothered by more than his foot.
Coming off a lengthy contract standoff with the team, Byrd is playing under the $6.9 million franchise tender, but Mark Gaughan of The Buffalo News reports the ball-hawking defensive back wants out of town.
Two league sources told the newspaper this week that Byrd and his agent are attempting to swing a trade before the NFL's Oct. 29 trade deadline.
Rapoport noted Aug. 21 that "ill will remains" between Byrd and the Bills. The two-time Pro Bowl player wasn't demanding a trade at the time -- but was believed to be open to one -- a source informed of Byrd's thinking told Rapoport.
A trade won't be easy. Interested parties will be asked to hand draft picks to Buffalo and an expensive new contract to Byrd. You don't see teams standing in line for a high-priced safety who has a foot injury.
Byrd played through the pain of plantar fasciitis last season, according to Rapoport. Back then, the defender held out hope for a new contract that would keep him in Buffalo for years to come. The Bills have shown no interest in making long-term promises, and it comes as little surprise to hear that Byrd wants out.
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