Saints' Jairus Byrd moves on after disappointing 2014 campaign

Facing a myriad of salary cap issues, the New Orleans Saints completed one of the most unlikely free agent signings in 2014, inking safety Jairus Byrd to a six-year, $54-million contract.

The investment appeared to capitulate quickly, with Byrd suffering a season-ending knee injury on October 3.

However, Byrd remains a core component of an intriguing secondary and is putting his first season in New Orleans behind him.

"I'm talking about this year," Byrd said to ESPN's Mike Triplett. "What happened last year is last year, and all my attention and energy is on to this year."

Byrd will be paired with Kenny Vaccaro, who underwent a disastrous sophomore campaign of his own, after exuding star potential in 2013. Together, the group will be paired with a physical cornerback duo in Keenan Lewis and Brandon Browner, a daunting force for NFC South opponents to breach.

"The more reps you take, the more the communication picks up. You're being more vocal, guys are giving more feedback back to you, what they like, where they're getting the calls. You kind of get the feel for their body language and stuff like that."

New Orleans recorded a mere 12 interceptions in 2014, tied for 21st-best in the league. Byrd, an opportunistic safety by nature, ought to help the team ascend through the total interception rankings.

It could be argued that Byrd's injury served as a microcosm of the Saints' season, with the team missing the playoffs after being billed as Super Bowl contenders. After a calamitous 2014 campaign, Byrd is rearing to get back into meaningful action.

"I'm definitely excited. I think anytime you're away from the game as long as I had to be, you're just grateful just to be able to do the normal things that you might have taken for granted," Byrd said. "You definitely are more appreciative of it. I'm really excited and grateful just to be out here doing this (minicamp), running around and being with my teammates again."