ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey didn’t want a new team in 2011, just a new challenge.
After signing a four-year, $43 million contract to stay in Denver over the winter, Bailey arrived at training camp and was approached by new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen about also playing nickel back for the Broncos.
It’s something Bailey, 33, had been willing to do for years. He’s seen what that role has meant to Tampa Bay’s Ronde Barber and Green Bay’s Charles Woodson.
So, on passing downs, Cassius Vaughn will take over Bailey’s left cornerback spot and Bailey will slide inside to cover the slot receiver, putting him closer to the line of scrimmage to be even more of a playmaker.
