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There have been quite a few arguments about who Byrd is and who he is not. There is a strong sentiment that Byrd does not deserve $9M+ because he is not elite, fast enough, because he is not the best ever, because he is not Ed Reed.
Here is a little perspective.
When it comes to game changing PLays, Turnovers, etc.... Byrd and Ed Reed are comparable. One of the Big differences is that Ed Reed consistently played on great defenses and some of the best defenses in league history. Byrd on the other hand, has had similar production even though he has played on some of the worst defenses, in the NFL and Bills history.
So what else is different? Ed Reed is bigger, stronger, faster, and yes he is more elite, he is the better player. Everything else being equal, most of us would choose Ed Reed given the opportunity. However, everything else is not equal and never could be.
Now what if NFL teams were given this opportunity, what would happen?
Simple, many teams would drool over Ed Reed and he would easily command $13,000,000 - $15,000,000/yr salary. Thats right, if Ed Reed was a 27 year old FA Free Safety at the pinnacle of his career he would command elite money. Money that is reserved for LT, CB, QB, WR, DE, he would get that type of money!
Now what of Byrd? Byrd would still get his $9-$10M. He is surely worth it, and the production is there. Further, in a few years with the new TV deal coming up and the increase in Cap his deal would look cheap.
So who would you rather have?
27year old Ed Reed @ $15M
or
27 year old Byrd @ $10M
Here is a little perspective.
When it comes to game changing PLays, Turnovers, etc.... Byrd and Ed Reed are comparable. One of the Big differences is that Ed Reed consistently played on great defenses and some of the best defenses in league history. Byrd on the other hand, has had similar production even though he has played on some of the worst defenses, in the NFL and Bills history.
So what else is different? Ed Reed is bigger, stronger, faster, and yes he is more elite, he is the better player. Everything else being equal, most of us would choose Ed Reed given the opportunity. However, everything else is not equal and never could be.
Now what if NFL teams were given this opportunity, what would happen?
Simple, many teams would drool over Ed Reed and he would easily command $13,000,000 - $15,000,000/yr salary. Thats right, if Ed Reed was a 27 year old FA Free Safety at the pinnacle of his career he would command elite money. Money that is reserved for LT, CB, QB, WR, DE, he would get that type of money!
Now what of Byrd? Byrd would still get his $9-$10M. He is surely worth it, and the production is there. Further, in a few years with the new TV deal coming up and the increase in Cap his deal would look cheap.
So who would you rather have?
27year old Ed Reed @ $15M
or
27 year old Byrd @ $10M
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