Champ Bailey could be on the roster bubble for New Orleans Saints
By Dan Zinski
The end has to come some time for long-time veteran cornerback Champ Bailey, and that some time could be approaching much faster than he or anyone else envisioned when he signed with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason.
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Bailey’s roster spot appears to be in serious jeopardy in New Orleans, as Bailey has been forced to hit the sidelines after suffering a semi-mysterious leg injury. Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune speculates that New Orleans won’t wait long for Bailey to recovery from the injury and get back on the practice field, and could soon cut the 36-year-old.
Bailey signed with the Saints on a two-year incentive laden contract with a maximum value of $7 million, and was originally expected to compete with Patrick Robinson for a starting job. But Bailey has been unable to practice since July 31 and has often not even shown up at the practice field since then. When asked on August 1 to speak about Bailey’s status, Sean Payton would only say that he refused to discuss injuries.
If this is the end for Bailey, he goes out as a 12-time Pro Bowler, a 7-time All-Pro and a one-time AFC Champion. With 52 career interceptions and 203 career passes defensed, the prototypical shutdown corner is a certain Hall of Famer.
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