Is Franchise Tag Next Step for Bailey?

Champ Bailey during warm-ups. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

So I made my plea and John Elway responded (kind of, but more to everyone; not just to me) and what’s been up Woody (thanks for mentioning the rally!)? Thanks for getting Shannon Sharpe in also (you old softy).

Now I am settling down with information received…

Jeff Legwold from THE Denver Post reports that the Denver Broncos offer to Champ Bailey consisted of less than $15 million guaranteed.

Now as Paul Harvey would say, “Here’s the rest of the story…”

Methinks the Broncos may only be attempting to receive a bargain, if the Broncos were to use the franchise tag on Bailey it would guarantee somewhere in the ball park of $15-million. Champ has been on record stating that he would be okay with receiving the franchise tag. The Broncos reportedly offered four-years for $40-million with less than $10-million guaranteed in October.

There also is that little fact that the franchise tag could be absolutely worthless if a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is reached in the future. If that were to happen the Broncos could be left with little more than their jock straps in their hands.

So play it safe or go all out? Not since the days of Dan Reeves has Denver truly gone all out in an attempt to sign a free agent (and even then they couldn’t beat Al Davis and sign Tim Brown). Yet, you know who knows the value of a good free agent? Yep, it’s Elway.

I see the deal getting done, despite Bailey’s house being up for sale. Heck, if he gets all that money he’s going to need a new one anyway.