Broncos Country has always had a weak spot in their heart for Champ Bailey. Since retiring from the NFL after the 2013 season, his beloved No. 24 jersey can still be seen all over Mile High City, especially on game days.
Now, everyone recognizes Bailey as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2019 class).
Originally selected for the first time in Georgia in 1999, Bailey played in Washington the first five seasons of his career. In 2004, Denver traded Clinton Portis to Washington for Bailey and a second-round draft pick.
The rest, as they say, is history, with Bailey playing in 215 games and recording 931 shots (832 solo), 42 shots on loss, 52 interceptions, 203 defenders, seven forced shots, six rebounds and four touchdowns.
So when it comes to the 12-year-old Pro Bowler who played a decade in Denver, people tend to listen. Earlier this week, Bailey made a guest appearance at 104.3 The FAN Nick and Cecil where he was asked about the possibility of Denver pursuing QB Deshaun Watson via trade.
“It would be a great move,” Bailey told former teammate Nick Ferguson and co-host Cecil Lammey. “He is a proven quarterback, a franchised quarterback. It will change a franchise and its trajectory. So why wouldn’t you entertain this? “
What happens next at the Broncos headquarters? Don’t miss any news or analysis. Take a second and subscribe to our free newsletter and receive breaking news daily about Broncos.
Speculation about the pace of doing business with the Houston Texans could cost a contender several first-round draft picks in addition to the premium players. While some believe acquiring Watson is too expensive, he would ask the Brass Brass to listen to the Hall-of-Famer.
Considered by many to be the best cornerback he has ever played 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 numerous awards and set multiple records, Bailey never lifted the Lombardi trophy above his head.
I have always subscribed to the theory that franchise QBs are not developed, but are born. If a team falls in love with a guy, that team has to move mountains to go get him. Bailey would agree.
“I look at the Broncos right now, like it’s almost 2012,” Bailey said The FAN. “It’s kind of the same dynamic. You have a young guy who did well and has done some good things, but nothing that makes you feel good about the future. Then you have a guy who can change the trajectory of your franchise like Watson. “Yeah, you’re going to look for a guy like that. Definitely.”
No matter if it’s a draft, a free agency, or an exchange, the franchise’s quarterbacks rarely fall on the lap of any team. I’m not saying in any way that the Broncos should be desperate or reckless, but if Denver has identified Watson as their man, there’s no price in the world too expensive.
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP i @MileHighHuddle.