Report: Bills place franchise tag on Jairus Byrd

Bills safety Jairus Byrd was franchised on Friday keeping him off the free agent market. (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Bills  placed a franchise tender on Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd on Friday, ensuring one of the team's top defenders will be in a Bills uniform next season, the team announced.

The tag will guarantee Byrd $6.916 million for the 2013 season once he signs the tender. The Bills had until March 4th at 4 pm to make use of the franchise or transition tag. The sides have until mid-July to work out a multi-year deal. The two sides have talked about a long-term contract and could still come to an agrement on one.

Byrd had 76 tackles, five interceptions and four forced fumbles with the Bills last season.