The Denver Broncos reportedly plan to release cornerback Champ Bailey before his March 15 roster bonus is due. The 36-year-old veteran doesn't want to retire and will likely to explore free agency, ESPN reports.
Bailey's time in Denver appears finished after 10 seasons.
Per ESPN:
"The Denver Broncos will release 12-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey, who had a $1 million roster bonus due March 15, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The Broncos will save $10 million in cap space with the move."
A Lisfranc foot injury limited Bailey to playing in just five games last season. Bailey, however, reportedly doesn't plan to retire.
"Despite his pending release, Bailey is not interested in retiring, according to a source close to the player," ESPN published on Thursday.
Age is seemingly catching up to Bailey. The Broncos moved him last season from the outside corner position to the inside slot position. Having Bailey play at safety is another possibility for whatever team might sign him.
Teammates showed their support for Bailey shortly after hearing the news.
"Blessed to be able (to) lineup opposite Champ and learn from a Great. Will def be missed," Broncos cornerback Chris Harris tweeted on Thursday.
"5 years with Champ! Can't believe 1 of the greatest is no longer here," Broncos cornerback David Bruton Jr. tweeted on Thursday. "Learned more than u can imagine from him. More than a teammate 4 sure."
Bailey has 52 interceptions and 909 combined tackles in his career. The Washington Redskins drafted Bailey as the seventh pick of the 1999 NFL draft and eventually traded him to Denver in 2004.
