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
Brilliant
February 17th, 2011
7:49 pm
To Kevin’s point, maybe we can ask the nfl to make the draft retroactive for us. You know, see how players do for a couple of years so we don’t pass up any pro bowlers and no one gets injured.
Steve
February 17th, 2011
7:56 pm
Don’t think he fits our defensive scheme…………….
44yr.fan
February 17th, 2011
9:21 pm
don’t do this…he’s washed up w/maybe 1 good year left
Chucktown38
February 17th, 2011
11:23 pm
Funny how only Georgia FREAKS what X bulldawg players on the falcons team. Its just sicken me to death, no concern for the falcons just as long as they get there player
Columbus
February 18th, 2011
3:16 am
Someone asked where is our Clay Matthews? Well he might be Robert Quinn LB North Carolina…..If available got to really consider him HARD…. He will get to the QB’S, WRAP them up and HIT them HARD. As far as Bailey goes, if you can get a good SHUTDOWN HOF corner you have to think about it. We can always trade Robinson if necessary to get Bailey who has a couple more really good years. Overall the Falcons need to put more pressure on the QB MORE than ANYTHING beside blitzing or just Abraham. From the DL or another DE. I vote for a BEAST up the middle who has to be double-teamed if available but probably will not be so basically whatever the best player in the draft or FA that can rush the QB AND play the RUN.
Columbus
February 18th, 2011
3:47 am
My mistake…..Quinn IS a DE. The Falcons could NOT go wrong getting Robert Quinn from UNC….
Mike C
February 18th, 2011
11:03 am
CB is our most glaring need, and of our other need positions (OL, DE) I don’t see a free agent that would contribute there as much as Bailey would in our secondary. DO IT!