Byrd signed with the Panthers on Tuesday, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Byrd was seen as one of the best safeties in the league when he was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Bills, but then, after signing a six-year deal with the Saints, he never was the same player. After being released by the Saints during the offseason, Byrd will finally get another shot, with Panthers' starting safety Kurt Coleman set for a multi-week absence with a sprained MCL. Byrd will likely fill in as a reserve safety until Coleman is able to make his return to the field.

Byrd will be released by the Saints at the start of free agency, NFL Network's Ian Rapaport reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite his production on the field, Byrd's price tag ultimately became too big of a burden for the Saints. The eight-year vet was slated to earn $7.9 million this year and $22.9 million over the next three years. Byrd tallied 82 tackles in 2016, but with the emergence of Von Bell in the secondary, New Orleans decided to part ways with the 30-year-old sooner rather than later.

Byrd had 82 tackles (56 solo) and two interceptions in 16 games in 2016.

EDGE Analysis

Byrd's third season in New Orleans was by far his most productive, however, the eight-year veteran was actually demoted from the starting lineup early in the season in favor of rookie free safety Vonn Bell. Nevertheless, Byrd still finished third on the team in tackles, as he saw substantial playing time in three-safety and nickel packages. Despite his improved production, Byrd is due over $11 million in 2017 and he could be a salary-cap casualty this offseason if he is unwilling to accept a pay cut to stay in New Orleans.

Byrd notched nine tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

Byrd lost his starting gig in Week 3 to rookie Vonn Bell, but veteran safety has quietly amassed 60 tackles this year, tied for third-most on the team, as the Saints frequently deploy a three-safety lineup. Byrd is still prone to inconsistent play and he has yet to record a sack or turnover this year, but he's at least an option for desperate fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

Byrd made ten tackles (eight solo) in Sunday win against the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Byrd was actually replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Vonn Bell a few games ago, but he continues to see substantial playing time in three-safety and nickel packages. Still, Byrd is not a recommended option in IDP leagues, as he is averaging less than five tackles per game and has yet to force a turnover or record a sack this season.

Byrd was not placed on the Saints' active/PUP list for the first time in his three-year career in New Orleans, ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though healthy for the start of camp, Byrd did miss the entirety of the Saints' offseason program rehabbing the knee injury that has plagued him since inking a six-year, $54 million deal ahead of the 2014 season. Hopefully, for the Saints, Byrd's 2016 training camp presence will smoothly translate to an improved performance in the upcoming campaign for a New Orleans secondary that allowed the 31st-most passing yards in the NFL during 2015.

Byrd made seven tackles (four solo) and had an interception in Sunday's loss to the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

Remarkably, the interception was Byrd's first in two injury-plagued seasons in New Orleans. Byrd has also recently picked up his game in other areas, making a combined 22 tackles (15 solo) in his last three games. Keep in mind that strong safety Kenny Vaccaro primarily plays near the line of scrimmage, while Byrd plays much deeper at free safety, but Byrd is slowly becoming an option in deeper IDP leagues.

Byrd (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Colts, Evan Woodberry of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing the Saints' first three games while recovering from knee surgery, Byrd has been back on the field for three straight contests without much complication. Even so, he's recorded just 10 stops over those three games, which will keep him off the IDP radar until he draws closer to providing double-digit tackle counts on a weekly basis.

Byrd (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

EDGE Analysis

Byrd will likely hop right in as a starter alongside Kenny Vaccaro, but the Saints may monitor the three-time Pro Bowler's snaps. Although his track record from Buffalo is superb, Byrd has played just 15 games since the start of 2013 and four games since the beginning of 2014. He needs to re-prove that he's a useful IDP outside of very deep leagues.

Byrd (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Cowboys, ESPN's reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though he's yet to log a full practice, Byrd is expected to make his 2015 debut Sunday night. Despite the name recognition, a wait-and-see approach makes sense in IDP leagues, and there's no guarantee Byrd is still the same player who earned Ed Reed comparisons in Buffalo.