In his three seasons with the Broncos, Tatum Bell’s mantra was: “I want to be the man.” He said it over and over again.
Heading into his fourth NFL season, Bell is singing the same tune, but now it has a Motown sound.
Bell’s first words after being traded to the Detroit Lions along with offensive tackle George Foster and a fifth-round draft pick for cornerback Dré Bly and a sixth-round pick?
“I’m going to the Lions thinking that I am going to be the man there,” Bell said. “I’m going to go there and try to establish myself as their full-time guy, and that’s exciting.”
Bell was a Denver starter last season. He battled through injuries and finished with 1,025 yards rushing.
“I have no hard feeling toward Denver,” said the second-round pick in the 2004 draft. “They gave me my first chance and I appreciate them. It’s just time to move on. I have no complaints.”
Added Foster: “I’m actually very happy about this deal. The Lions have been very positive and it’s good to be wanted. … The worst part of the trade is I’ll miss all of my old teammates.”
Bailey extends helping hand
Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey restructured his contract, turning some salary into signing bonus. The move saved Denver about $3.5 million in cap room.
“Champ wants a ring and he wanted to help the team,” said his agent, Jack Reale. “Anything Champ can do, he’ll do.”
Despite reports San Francisco signed cornerback Nate Clements to an eight- year contract worth $80 million, the deal actually averages $8 million a year.
Bailey remains the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL with a $9 million-a-year average.
