Should the Falcons pursue Georgia legend Champ Bailey?
These two former UGA superstars, Herschel Walker and Buck Belue, probably wouldn't mind Champ Bailey landing with the Falcons. Belue (r) interviewing his Walker recently at the Super Bowl in Dallas. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/Dledbetter@ajc.com)
It almost makes too much sense.
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If he wants to compete for a championship, the Falcons would figure to be a natural landing spot.
Josina "Jo Jo" Anderson, Fox 31 Sports in Denver.
As Josina Anderson of Denver’s Fox affiliate reported, Bailey has put his home up for sale. (You can follow Anderson on twitter: @JosinaAnderson.
Here’s her tweet: “Full Champ Bailey quote: “I am putting my Littleton, (CO) house up for sale. It will be officially listed within the next few days.”#Broncos”
Jeff Legwold had the news confirmed by Bailey’s agent Jack Reale.
The Falcons will have a really good scouting report on Bailey. Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has connections inside the organization. Also, former Falcons executive Brian Xanders is Denver’s general manager.
As the Falcons found out in the playoffs against Green Bay, you can never have enough cornerbacks.
Bailey, who has played in 10 Pro Bowls, would certainly improve the Falcons’ pass defense. It’s reasonable to conclude that they can find a spot on the roster for Bailey, who has 48 career interceptions.
The Falcons could use Bailey the same way that Green Bay has used Charles Woodson over the last few years. Move him around. Let him play outside some. Inside on the slot and send him on blitzes.
Bailey certainly has some lessons to share with Dunta Robinson, Brent Grimes, Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks.
Giants running back DJ Ware, bottom, fumbles while being tackled by Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey. (David Zalubowski/Associated Press)
Bailey has been with the Broncos since 2004 after starting out his career with the Washington Redskins.
However, his price tag might be a too costly for the Falcons.
Bailey turns 33 in June. The two sides were close to a four-year, $40 million extension before the Broncos pulled the offer late in the season.
Bailey just finished a seven-year, $63 million contract.
Should the Falcons drop all of their free agency cash on a 33-year-old cornerback?
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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157 comments Add your comment
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 17th, 2011
11:41 am
JONESBORO SLIM: I got you. She’s a serious and driven young lady. (Former ballet and track star at UNC).
DC Dirty Bird
February 17th, 2011
11:46 am
Why wouldn’t we go after Champ is the price is right? Makes perfect sense. DRob, Champ, and BG as the nickel. Haynesworth, Marcus Stroud (flourished under Mike Smith) or Shaun Rogers are worth a look. We need at least 4 DT’s that can rotate. As far as those who are ready to give up on Franks and Sidbury, please note that they both have tremendous upside and were faced with beating out proven veterans. If our defense was built around attacking and causing turnovers, their athleticsm would have got them on the field. Once they develop the discipline required to play in the system, we’ll see results. I thought Sidbury beat out The Beerman during the preseason so I’m wondering why he got buried on the depth chart.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 17th, 2011
11:54 am
According to ESPN’s Todd McShay there are only three CBs with first round grades and one of them have “character” issues:
I was on the conference call with McShay yesterday. Here’s what he had to say about the CBs:
waynester
February 17th, 2011
11:56 am
So far, Dimitroff has only added a couple of big $$ FAs/year. Now that most positions are adequately filled I don’t see him suddenly changing philosophies and signing several aging vets. DE is really the only position that I see us filling through Free agency as it takes several years to develop a rookie DE. A rookie WR,RB or CB can have an early impact so get them in the draft. On another note: not all players are as willing to help “coach up” a younger player as Tony G. This is one of the most highly competitive professions in the world and most guys balk at training their replacements. Not all vets are cut out for mentoring the next generation. That’s why we hire COACHES. This draft is mostly about finding quality depth/developmental players to make a long run at this thing. Trade down out of the late 1st and start bankrolling future picks like the Pats. The value is just as great in the upper 2nd round and you save $$ while getting a leg up on next years draft and giving yourself much more flexibility to make the kinds of trades a lot of ya’ll are speculating about today….
Da Boss
February 17th, 2011
11:56 am
Did Bailey ever learn to read after he left UGA?
skip
February 17th, 2011
12:00 pm
Bailey’s price is going to be too high for the Falcons to justify at his age. While a team can almost never have too many DBs, ours are adequate if we can generate a decent pass rush.
Albert Haynesworth
February 17th, 2011
12:12 pm
Take me….Take me
Steve C
February 17th, 2011
12:23 pm
JSS,
Are you saying McKyer was not a good player? I agree that he bounced around a bit but he made the Pro Bowl twice and has 3 SB rings. I remember when ATL signed him to play opposite Deion…is was widely hailed as a good signing. He had as many picks in 91 as Deion did.
Robert
February 17th, 2011
12:36 pm
Sure, don’t think you can ever have too many corners but his age has to be a concern. Can’t sign him to big money like Robinson last year. At this stage in his career, could he play some FS and slide over in the nickle CB role? But have to think OL and DL are more pressing needs. Maybe WR/TE before worry about a corner.
Falcons May Have Interest In CB Champ Bailey
February 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
[...] [...]
North always beat the south
February 17th, 2011
12:43 pm
10 years ago I would have said Hell Yeah but now he’s to old
Greg
February 17th, 2011
12:45 pm
I agree with those who say Champ is a) too old and b) no longer quick enough to be paid the really big money. I also, after watching how Dunta has turned out, have no confidence in Dimitroff when it comes to picking high-priced corners.
Falcon66
February 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
RODRJ32@7:44 AM
I keep hearing some of you say that we need another reciever to go with Roddy White. The problem is who’s going to throw them the ball. If it’s not an intermediate pass Ryan cannot make the throw. We have a problem with Ryan people. I think that everyone wants to believe that he’s going to eventually be this Tom Brady or Peyton Manning type quarterback. I’m starting to believe that it’s not in the cards.
Ryan’s record as a starter in his 1st three years is 33-13, much of the time with mediocre talent. How many seasons did it take Rogders to win a playoff game? Manning? Brees? I’ll take Ryan.
Bout Time
February 17th, 2011
12:51 pm
If we’re going to spend the money I would rather spend it on Nnamdi Asmough. Couple of years younger than Champ…….
BYRDDAWG
February 17th, 2011
12:59 pm
Any chance we could get Josh Nesbitt as free agent and put him on the practice squad?? That way our young corners could practice catching passes thrown in their general dirrection!! Just sayin…
Dirty South Steelers Fan
February 17th, 2011
1:04 pm
Shutdown corners are hard to find. I would say give Champ a 3 yr deal. he has atleast 4 good years left in him. A siging like this tells the fans that you are serious about winning now and Champ will put more fans in the Georgia Dome.
Dirty South Steelers Fan
February 17th, 2011
1:05 pm
Wow I should have proof read before posting……..;)
waynester
February 17th, 2011
1:22 pm
While disappointed in Dunta’s performance–he was the top AVAILABLE Corner in FA last year–that’s not Dimitroff’s fault. He went out and brought in the best guy Available –Robinson just didn’t live up to the $$$.
JSS
February 17th, 2011
1:23 pm
@ Steve C…
Steve C
February 17th, 2011
12:23 pm
JSS,
“Are you saying McKyer was not a good player? I agree that he bounced around a bit but he made the Pro Bowl twice and has 3 SB rings. I remember when ATL signed him to play opposite Deion…is was widely hailed as a good signing. He had as many picks in 91 as Deion did.”
No, like Ambrose, McKyer was paid a tremendous sum; but he only lasted 2 full seasons here. The Falcons spent 5 picks over a period of 5 seasons (Anthony Phillips, Ron Davis, Juran Bolden, Michael Booker, Omar Brown) trying to just get two base corners… The point is, either go all in and get the best (a long term solution young and key talent), or actually draft properly and develop them.
Here’s four names: Chris Houston, Chevis Jackson, Christopher Owens, and Dominique Franks. Houston has been exiled, Owens may be close behind. The jury is out on Franks. We certainly don’t get any real information from the local beat writer regarding his development (or lack of it)… So who really knows?
JSS
February 17th, 2011
1:53 pm
Dirty South Steelers Fan
February 17th, 2011
1:04 pm
“Shutdown corners are hard to find.”
Really? A hapless Raiders organization found two in successive drafts between picks Phillip Buchanon (2002-17th pick) and Nnamdi Asomugha (2003-31st pick)
HGN
February 17th, 2011
2:24 pm
Absolutely not…………….No Way should the Falcons pick up Bailey.
J.D.'s Express
February 17th, 2011
2:25 pm
Champ is still a viable corner in the league, but the Birds should use their money to pursue the corner out of Oakland. True SHUT DOWN corner……………………………..
bo
February 17th, 2011
2:27 pm
IMO Lofton was a serious liablity, wiffs and flat out misses tackles, takes bad angles and all which you can not have from the mLB he was dominated by the rookie in the greenbay game and is a non factor in pass coverage
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
February 17th, 2011
3:02 pm
Hell, we have GREAT pass rushers NOW, they just can’t tackle a quarterback who has a pulse when they get to him. It’s AMAZING how many times quarterbacks escape what seem to be CERTAIN sacks by our pass rush. They couldn’t tackle my granny with her drawers around her ankles in a snowstorm. They NEVER wrap-up on a sack. They throw a shoulder at the QB, who spins out of trouble for a completion or long run. WRAP-UP, DAMMITT!
Falconfan
February 17th, 2011
3:06 pm
who said asomugha doesn’t fit our scheme.. what scheme?? the one that couldnt make a team punt in the biggest game of the season .. NOT ONCE!! We need asomugha….period..or bailey who cares how much he cost… BLANK always talking bout how bad he wanna win… pay for the players.. then we need a #2 receiver (who can get open)…a RB who can catch and make somebody miss in the open field.. and another pass rusher…
MaxxFalcon
February 17th, 2011
3:12 pm
Man, I would love nothing more than to have Champ come home, the only problem is we already broke the bank on Dunta “Bust” Robinson last year. If we could trade Dunta for a draft pick, sign Champ and draft another Corner this year, we would be looking good. Champ, Grimes, D. Franks, B. Williams, 2011 Rookie Corner and C. Owens looks pretty good to me, as long as C. Owens shows some improvement. He had a nightmare 2010, and this year might be make or break for him.
s.dak falcons feak
February 17th, 2011
3:20 pm
NO!!!!!!everyone needs to stop and think a minute they need to go after O-Line in 1st Round they need to jump on Pouncey if he is still available. Because the Vikings are going to Franchise Greenway and let Rice become a FA. There is our compliment to Shoddy Roddy and don’t forget Steve Smith (from the kitty cats) might be available as well. With another year in the system Robinson will be fine and Grimes is solid and our safteys are going to be off the hook in year 2 together
Throwdown40
February 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
The Falcons clearly need a great pass rusher, and a deep receiver. If Champ comes with a discount then obtain his talents, he could be of much help. Otherwise, stick to what is needed most.
BIG MIKE
February 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
NOT YES….BUT HELL YESS!!!
falCANTS4ever
February 17th, 2011
3:40 pm
yup, go get that ‘deep receiver’…better also draft a ‘wildcat back’ that can throw the ball deep enough for that ‘deep receiver’….Matty Melt will need some help…falCANTS
marcus
February 17th, 2011
3:41 pm
if champ takes less money i say make it happen he would get the secondary right for shore and that would let us add depth at the DE and the WR position and we could still get that young corner in the draft that would give us that green bay look for shore DT make it happen the young corners we have could learn a lot from him he could be a player coach type
BIG MIKE
February 17th, 2011
3:49 pm
Don’t forget his ability in the special teams department. He will be a valuable asset and a proven player that can cover a multitude of rolls. His abilities were never completely exploited by Denver. UGA used him all over the field and he single handedly saved at least one win with an over the top field goal block. In the pro’s they kick off the terf so the ball has a lower trajectory on long kicks than in college. With the pro game being what it is, with late field goals winning tight games a high percentage of the time, he would come in handy in these situations.
NFL Rumors: Elway Wants To Keep Champ Bailey
February 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
[...] to be dominated by passing attacks. If Bailey hits the open market, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks that the Atlanta Falcons could an option [...]
too bad
February 17th, 2011
3:51 pm
The saints aren’t very good, Falcants4ever. We can all see that.
Blood& Guts
February 17th, 2011
4:11 pm
I’m still ticked they didn’t sign Peppers last year
Does it have Talons?
February 17th, 2011
4:23 pm
The Falcons are not anywhere near the cap compared to other teams. So I don’t think Champ would cost all of their free agent money.
Woodson is older and is very productive. Why not Champ?
GO BIRDS!
February 17th, 2011
4:53 pm
We should get Bailey, someone that can lead the backfield.
Packers fan
February 17th, 2011
5:08 pm
Sign him.
We’d at least like to have a DB in the picture when we score on you.
Get Some Game Changers
February 17th, 2011
5:48 pm
Give him half of Dunta’s salary.
Get Some Game Changers
February 17th, 2011
5:50 pm
EazyRoc I’m with you…sure up the DL first.
SuperB
February 17th, 2011
6:19 pm
Champ Bailey: 10 Pro Bowls! Headed to the Hall of Fame. What’s to discuss?
drmondo
February 17th, 2011
6:20 pm
I’d rather they spend the money on Asomugha if they’re going to spend it on a CB. I agree that we should be trying to get either a pass-rushing DE or OLB in FA before we spend big $$ on CB. I think we need a stronger nickle, someone who could be a starter but $10 mil/yr for 4 yrs on a 33 yr old CB makes little sense especially since the #1 CB in the league is a FA.
chickenman
February 17th, 2011
6:31 pm
i would prefer asomouga but champ is the champ and we need a elite player in the secondary
Falcons Fan
February 17th, 2011
6:37 pm
Champ is an awesome guy and player and a damn good dawg, but I don’t think the Falcons should spend their whole bankroll on him.
If we could get a hometown deal for him then by all means yes, otherwise good luck Champ.
Falcons Fan
February 17th, 2011
6:42 pm
I want to cast my vote again for Darren Sproles as a great free agency pick up for the Falcons.
waste of cash
February 17th, 2011
6:45 pm
bailey’s overpaid and over the hill—don’t waste the cash. Get young players with something to prove, not attitude cases like bailey.
coloradobulldog
February 17th, 2011
6:53 pm
Attitude cases like Bailey? HA! Name me one evidence of Champ Bailey having a bad attitude. He is a team player. BTW, I’m not sure I’d spend money on him on any FA CB. I’d rather see then go after a WR & draft a DE in 1st round. But seriously ‘waste of cash’…. attitude case what a laugh. Must be a Tech fan.
Kevin
February 17th, 2011
7:10 pm
They need to sign me, I’ll not screw up in the drafting like taking Peria Jerry Or Clay Matthews! What was Atlanta thinking when they passed up on 2 bloodlines pro bowlers? It just goes to show Atlanta has no clue at drafting, thats why they have to steal free agents to be any good. Besides I hate to say this, But Matt Ryan isnt the answer at QB , The most important part of being a QB besides accuracy is what I call [ The Scoot and shoot ] ie That first and second step to avoid pass rush, sum have it like Roethlisberger, Manning, Brees, Rogers, O BTW these guys have rings. But arthur Blank is in love with Ryan so he will be a 10 year mistake Overated . Right now the smat move would be to jockey up for the number 1 pick next year and draft andrew Luck…..So what if Falcons go 10-6 or 11-5 then lose in playoffs to a good pass rushing defense that squashes Matt Donald Duck Ryan. The most pressing needs are killer linebackers that can pass rush and drop back in coverage, then they might have a chance!!!
Brilliant
February 17th, 2011
7:43 pm
right kev, we shoulda taken you.
dawgkicker
February 17th, 2011
7:48 pm
He is 32 an no longer productive…. it would be a waste money to even entertain the thought of him in a falcon uniform. Once again its that homer uga fog getting in the way of reality…. blank and the rest of the falcons organization is smarter than that… let him retire on his own.