NFL Rumors: Baltimore Ravens could pursue signing Champ Bailey

Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2014; Jersey City, NJ, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during a press conference for Super Bowl XLVIII at Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

When once elite cornerback get too old to hack it at their desired position anymore, they either retire and call it a career or they try to suck out every last drop of gas they have by switching to safety in order to play as long as they can. Champ Bailey falls under this category as his vintage years are behind him and he’s staring downy he reality of being useless in the NFL.

He’s had a great career, but he may not be ready to hang up the cleats and that likely means a move to safety with his next. One possible landing spot for Bailey could be with the Baltimore Ravens but beat writer Jamison Hensley cautions that the move may not work in reality.

"I like the idea in theory, but not every CB can convert to safety like Rod Woodson. There is a risk involved, and Bailey seems to get banged up more each year."

Not everyone transitions well to safety after having a Hall of Fame career at cornerback. Ronde Barber struggled in doing so with the Buccaneers and he primarily was a safety-style cornerback int he Tampa 2 defense. Bailey seems to have something left, but he may not be starting caliber material anymore.