Veteran cornerback Champ Bailey was obviously a shell of himself last year, and now the question will become whether his brilliant career is over.
A league source tells PFT that the Saints have released Bailey, perhaps one of the day’s biggest surprises.
They were clearly in need of someone to shore up the position, and gave him $500,000 guaranteed on a two-year deal. Figuring the 12-time Pro Bowler would add some legitimacy to a shaky secondary, it seemed like a reasonable investment.
Bailey will turn 36 in June, and it’s uncertain if anyone will give him an opportunity, considering how cornerback-needy the Saints were.
The Saints also terminated the contracts of veteran wide receiver Robert Meachem, linebacker Keyunta Dawson, kicker Shayne Graham and tackle Thomas Welch, while waiving center Matt Armstrong, Derrius Brooks, cornerback Brandon Coleman, linebacker Todd Davis, kicker Derek Dimke, cornerback Terrence Frederick, wide receiver Charles Hawkins, tight end Nic Jacobs, guard Marcel Jones, wide receiver Seantavious Jones, tackle Tavon Rooks, running back Derrick Strozier, Lawrence Virgil, cornerback Trevin Wade, safety Pierre Warren and guard Jason Weaver.
That leaves them with no kickers at the moment, but there are a number of viable veterans on the market.