Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Champ Bailey (27) against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
It’s already been a busy weekend around the National Football League. On Saturday many teams began their roster cuts in effort to reduce their team’s size to the league maximum, 53 players. Among players cut was 12 time Pro Bowl cornerback, Champ Bailey.
Saints released WR Robert Meachem and CB Champ Bailey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2014
The New Orleans Saints cut Bailey in favor of a younger, unproven, and undrafted defensive back. However, Bailey and his agent have stated that he wants to continue to play and more importantly, that he is now 100 percent healthy entering the season.
Asked Champ Bailey's agent Jack Reale if his client wants to continue playing: "Definitely and he is fully healthy now."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2014
Bailey may be healthy, but the fact remains that the one time dominant defensive back is 36-years-old. Yet it seems like his services could still be used in some form, somewhere around the NFL — like in Detroit maybe?
The Lions secondary woes are no secret. Last spring Detroit cut ties with former defensive back, Chris Houston, thus turning the reins over to second-year corner, Darius Slay. Slay had his share of struggles during his rookie year in 2013, and many are wondering if the former Mississippi State Bulldog is ready to cover the No.1 wideouts of the NFC North twice a year.
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In the hypothetical sense, the Lions would likely get Bailey at a bargain due to his previous injuries and declining production. Perhaps then he could serve as a mentor to the younger defensive backs, teaching them how to play the position and how to become professionals while helping fill a void and provide depth at the same time.
Before Bailey’s injury riddled 2013 season in Denver, the cornerback had two interceptions and nine pass defenses in 2012 with opposing teams usually throwing away from the future Hall of Famer. Bailey only played in five games in 2013 due to various injuries and was not 100 percent in the Super Bowl as he gave up some big plays, but as mentioned before, he is completely healthy heading into 2014.
I know that Bailey is nowhere near the shutdown corner that he was several years ago, but I feel there is still enough in the tank for him to contribute in more ways than one in Detroit.
Besides, with Bailey in Honolulu Blue and Silver, what do we have to lose?