Saints Sign Top Free Agent Jairus Byrd

The "experts" weren't expecting the New Orleans Saints to make a big splash in the free agent market of 2014. Salary cap issues were expected to prevent them from making major moves. So much for the experts.

The Black and Gold snared the player nfl.com had ranked as the top free agent of 2014, free safety Jairus Byrd from the Buffalo Bills.

It was apparent GM Mickey Loomis was up to something when safety Malcolm Jenkins wasn't offered a contract. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Saints drafted Jenkins with the #14 overall pick in 2009, expecting him to become a ball hawking heir apparent to Darren Sharper. He never met expectations.

Byrd spent 5 years with the Bills, intercepting 22 passes. He forced 11 fumbles, made 356 tackles, had 3 sacks, and scored 2 defensive touchdowns. He's a three time pro bowl selection.

Think Rob Ryan's smiling? A co worker chided me for reporting the Saints are "rebuilding." Okay, let's say they're re-tooling for another Super Bowl run.