Bailey released by Broncos earlier this off-season due to price-tag.
The New Orleans Saints have added one of the NFL’s all-time great cornerbacks after signing veteran Champ Bailey to a two-year contract.
The team confirmed the move on Friday, with the 35-year-old’s deal including a maximum value of $7m according to a league source, as reported by ESPN.
“We are excited to be able to add a future Hall of Fame player with the addition of Champ Bailey,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement released by the team.
“His career accomplishments mirror that of his high character and he’s a very prideful and competitive player who we believe will add to our defense. Having spent time with him recently and in our discussions with him, I know that he’s thrilled to be joining the New Orleans Saints and starting a new chapter in his professional life.”
Bailey was released by the Denver Broncos earlier this off-season due in large part to his high price-tag and decline in production, with many questioning whether or not he still has enough left in the tank to make a significant contribution.
The 12-time Pro Bowler insists that he is now healthy after recovering from a foot injury which plagued him throughout last season, and he will now hope to rediscover his best form and begin a new chapter in New Orleans.
Bailey will likely compete with Keenan Lewis for a starting job, but initially will likely act as back-up to the first choice cornerback who proved himself last season.
Having already been praised for their top youthful defensive units last season, the Saints have now added Bailey alongside Jarius Byrd in free agency and the duo will now help to form a formidable defensive roster.
It is expected that young stars Corey White and Patrick Robinson will also provide stiff competition for the future Hall of Famer, but having played in a career-low five regular-season games last year, Bailey will be desperate to prove his worth from pre-season onwards.
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