Report: Details Emerge Of Damiere Byrd’s Patriots Contract

The New England Patriots lost a few players in free agency, including quarterback Tom Brady. The team had 19 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some of them left the franchise. This doesn’t mean that head coach Bill Belichick will stay calm and do nothing. The Patriots have already signed a few new players, including Damiere Byrd. There’s a brand new update on Byrd’s contract with the Patriots.  

Byrd is a speedy wide receiver who agreed to sign a one-year deal this week. He will earn a $350,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $1 million. The wideout can earn up to $900,000 in incentives, as confirmed by various reports. ESPN’s Field Yates was the first to report the big news.

“WR Damiere Byrd’s one-year deal with the Patriots: $350K signing bonus, base salary of $1M, up to $900K available via incentives tied to receptions.”

His deal also includes just $600,000 guaranteed as noted by The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin. This suggests that he is not a lock to make the active roster.

Byrd’s contract isn’t a surprise

The 27-year-old wideout was the first outside free agent to join New England this week. Defensive tackle Beau Allen and safety Adrian Phillips are part of the game now. After spending three years with the Carolina Panthers, the wideout changed the game in 2019. He was able to catch 32 passes on 46 targets for 359 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.

Byrd has the physique of a slot receiver (5-foot-9, 180 pounds). However, he played primarily outside with Arizona. Experts believe he’d add speed to the Patriots’ receiving corps. Byrd ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at his South Carolina pro day in 2015. He can also return punts and kickoffs.

At the moment, the Patriots’ depth chart at wideout consists of Julian Edelman, Mohamed Sanu, N’Keal Harry, Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski, Quincy Adeboyejo and Devin Ross.

Belichick has a few ideas on his mind, and none of those includes Tom Brady. The GOAT among all coaches will have to adjust to the new situation. Without Brady, the Patriots won’t be able to win a title.