For the first time in his 15-year NFL career, cornerback Champ Bailey is a free agent.
Bailey is being released by the Denver Broncos after spending the last 10 seasons in Mile High. He was originally drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft before being dealt to the Broncos following the 2003 season. He initially signed a seven-year deal with Denver and signed an extension in 2011.
With his release by Denver, it’s the first time Bailey will be on the open market in his career.
According to Lindsay Jones of the USA Today, Bailey says he has no intention of retiring at this point and would even consider making a position switch if necessary to keep playing.
“I just want to see what people will want me to do. My vision is to still play corner, but I’m a little more open-minded about the season I had last year.” Bailey said. “I’m a corner at heart. If a situation made sense to play safety, then I would consider it.”
Charles Woodson successfully made the switch from cornerback to safety in recent seasons and it could be an avenue for Bailey to consider at this stage of his career. Bailey played just five games, making three starts, during the regular season while being limited due to a foot injury most of the year.