The closer we get to the March 11 beginning of the new league year, the more players are being cut loose as teams clear up cap space. With the salary cap increase this year, contracts could be bigger than ever, but that doesn’t mean teams are willing to pay them to players who they don’t think can help them win.
With the Denver Broncos, cornerback Champ Bailey was one of those players.
Champ Bailey met face-to-face with #Broncos today. He wasn’t offered a pay cut. The team decided to move on. So did he.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2014
Bailey is the epitome of “perennial pro bowler.” In his 13-year career he’s made the annual all-star game 12 times. His stats over his 13 seasons are impressive. 53 interceptions and four touchdowns with nearly 1000 tackles.
The problem? He’s entering his 14th year in the league. He’s getting old. He’s injury prone, missing much of the last two seasons.
But still, Bailey might have one or two good years left in him where he’s able to mentor and teach the next generation of cornerbacks but also contribute some on the field and help a team win a championship — something that has eluded him his entire career.
Sound off, Addicts. Should Champ pack his bags and head for the BBQ City?