Broncos Country has always had a soft spot for Champ Bailey. Since retiring from the NFL after the 2013 season, his beloved no. 24 jersey still seen all over Mile High City, especially on a day.
The whole world now recognizes Bailey as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (class of 2019).
Originally, he was a first-round pick from Georgia in 1999, and played the first five seasons of his career in Washington. In 2004, Denver, Clinton Portis, traded back to Washington in exchange for Bailey and a second-round draft.
The rest, as they would say, is history, with Bailey playing in 215 games, and 931 tackles (832 solo), 42 tackles for a loss, 52 interceptions, 203 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, six fumble recovery, and four touchdowns.
When the 12-time Pro Bowler, who has played in Denver for a decade, speaks, people tend to listen. Earlier this week, Bailey made a guest appearance on 104.3 The FANs Nick and Cecil where he was asked about the possibility that Denver QB could pursue Deshaun Watson via trade.
“It’s going to be a great move,” Bailey told former teammate Nick Ferguson and co-presenter Cecil Lammey. ‘He’s a proven quarterback, a franchise quarterback. He will change a concession and its trajectory. So why would not you entertain it? ‘
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The speculation about the current rate of doing business with the Houston Texans could cost a freer multiple concepts for the first round, in addition to premium players. While some believe the acquisition of Watson is too expensive, I would urge Broncos buyers to listen to the Hall of Famer.
Considered by many to be the best cornerback ever to play in the NFL, Bailey appeared in only one Super Bowl (XLVIII) where he and the Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks 43-8. He was released the following year. Although he received numerous awards and set several records, Bailey never hoisted the Lombardi trophy above his head.
I have always subscribed to the theory that QBs for concessions are not developed, but that they are born. If a team falls head over heels in love with a guy, the team has to move mountains to fetch him. Bailey would agree.
“I’m currently looking at the Broncos, as if it’s almost 2012,” Bailey said The FAN. “It’s similarly the same dynamic. You have a young man who did well and did good things, but nothing to make you feel really good about the future. Then you have a man who can change the trajectory of you. franchise like Watson, yes, you’re going to get such an old one. Without a doubt. ‘
No matter if it’s in draft, free agency or through trade, franchise backs rarely fall into any team’s lap. I am by no means saying that the Broncos should be desperate or reckless, but if Denver has identified Watson as his guy, there is no price in the world too expensive.
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP and @MileHighHuddle.