5 New Orleans Saints with the most to prove in 2016

Nov 8, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) and cornerback Keenan Lewis (21) collide the ball would be caught by Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) and run in for a touchdown during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 2, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) stretches during organized team activities at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Jairus Byrd

After coming off a season were the Saints defense finished 4th overall but turnovers were lacking, the signing of Jairus Byrd seemed like the perfect fit. Now two years later, the defense has been one of the worst in NFL history and many Saints fans probably see the Byrd signing as the start of the dramatic fall in production. To be fair, Byrd is only one guy and cannot nor should carry this defense alone. But expectations were high after his 6-year, $54 million contract. On a team like the New Orleans Saints where cap space is limited every season, fans expect to see big production.

After only 3 forced turnovers in two years, 2016 might be the last chance for Byrd to make an impact in a Saints uniform. But maybe there is hope. With the addition of Vonn Bell, the Saints could use more three-safety sets, which could possibly help Byrd, as he only has to cover one side of the field, instead of having to cover the entire field in single-high safety sets.

At the same time, the addition of Bell could also mean the Saints are preparing for life without the former All-Pro free safety. No matter what, Byrd has to step up his game and show a little bit of what made him so great in Buffalo.

Next: Coby Fleener