Broncos Country has always had a soft spot in his heart for Champ Bailey. Since his retirement from the NFL after the 2013 season, his beloved # 24 jersey can still be seen across Mile High City, especially on match day.
Now, the whole world recognizes Bailey as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (class of 2019).
Originally picked in Georgia’s first round in 1999, Bailey played in Washington for the first five seasons of his career. Then, in 2004, Denver swapped running back Clinton Portis for Washington in exchange for Bailey and a runoff choice.
The rest, as they say, is history, with Bailey playing 215 games and registering 931 tackles (832 solo), 42 tackles for defeat, 52 interceptions, 203 defended passes, seven forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and four touchdowns.
So when you talk about the 12 times Pro Bowler who played a decade in Denver, people tend to listen. Earlier this week, Bailey made a special appearance at 104.3 The fans Nick and Cecil where he was asked about the possibility of Denver chasing QB Deshaun Watson via trade.
“It would be a great move,” Bailey told former teammate Nick Ferguson and co-host Cecil Lammey. “He’s a proven quarterback, a quarterback in the franchise. It will change a franchise and its trajectory. So, why wouldn’t you consider that? “
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Speculation about the current fee for doing business with the Houston Texans could cost a suitor several first-round draft choices, in addition to premium players. While some feel that acquiring Watson is too expensive, I would recommend that the Broncos bosses listen to the Hall of Fame.
Considered by many to be the best cornerback to play in the NFL, Bailey only appeared in a Super Bowl (XLVIII), where he and the Broncos lost to the Seattle Seahawks 43-8. He was released the following March. Although he received several awards and set several records, Bailey never lifted the Lombardi Trophy over his head.
I have always accepted the theory that franchise QBs are not developed, they are born. If a team falls deeply in love with a guy, that team must move mountains to go after him. Bailey would agree.
“I kind of see the Broncos now, like it’s almost 2012,” said Bailey The fan. “It’s kind of the same dynamic. You have a young guy who did well and did good things, but nothing that would really make you feel good in the future. So you have a guy who can really change the franchise trajectory like Watson, yes , you’re going to get a guy like that. Without a doubt. ”
It doesn’t matter if it’s in the draft, in the free agency or in commerce, the franchise’s quarterbacks rarely fall into the lap of any team. In no way am I saying that the Broncos should be desperate or reckless, but if Denver identified Watson as his guy, there is no price tag in the world very expensive.
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP and @MileHighHuddle.