Saints Snag Safety Jairus Byrd

Touted as the top free agent in the 2014 offseason, it didn't take long for safety Jairus Byrd to find suitor.

The ex-Bills deep man has agree to a six-year deal, reportedly worth $54 million, with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday night, just hours after the official start of free agency.

John Deshazier, a senior writer a neworleanssaints.com, calls the signing a game-changer for the team:

Byrd (5 feet 10, 203 pounds) upgrades the position and the league’s second-ranked pass defense as a five-year veteran who will enter the 2014 season with 22 career interceptions, 33 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Earlier this offseason, the Saints made headlines for cutting several 'key' defensive players to create cap space, allowing for some free agent acquisitions.

Among the cuts were Utica-native Will Smith who missed all of last season due to injury.