METAIRIE, La. -- Jairus Byrd finally seems to have his career pointed back in the right direction.
"I'd say in the last six weeks, he's played as good of football as we've seen now, and that's encouraging," New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said of the 30-year-old safety, whose first two-plus years in New Orleans were marred by a major knee injury and inconsistent play.
Byrd was even demoted temporarily this season before things finally started to get on track for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Whether that will be enough to keep him in New Orleans beyond this season remains to be seen.