As the Broncos’ elder statesman — or at least the player who has been here the longest — Champ Bailey has seen plenty of players come and go at Dove Valley.
Still, the star cornerback couldn’t help but have mixed emotions last week when the Broncos signed an entirely new starting defensive line but released two starters from the 2009 defense.
“That’s the way it is. You’ve got to adapt, plain and simple,” Bailey said. “I didn’t want Andra Davis to go, plain and simple. But the next day, I’m adapting to a new situation.”
Bailey got his first look at some of his new teammates Monday when the Broncos began their voluntary offseason conditioning program. Bailey said he was most excited to see new nose tackle Jamal Williams, formerly of the San Diego Chargers.
“The guy’s impressive,” Bailey said. “When he’s healthy, all I know is he used to wear our centers out. I expect him to do the same for us.”
Defensive end Justin Bannan, another newcomer, said he was excited by Williams’ signing too. Bannan was the first free agent signed by the Broncos, on March 5. Williams and defensive end Jarvis Green signed four days later.
“Obviously, Denver made some major moves here in free agency,” Bannan said. “It was interesting seeing it all unfold.”
Conditioning underway.
The players who chose to attend the Broncos’ voluntary conditioning program gathered for a team meeting at 8 a.m., followed by a workout led by strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten.
“Honestly, man, it starts way too early,” Bailey said. “I think our first game is what, September? They pay me a lot of money to come here and work out with these guys though, so I’m going to be here.”
The Broncos’ conditioning program runs through late June. The first organized team activity — also voluntary — is expected to be in May after the NFL draft.
Dumervil, Marshall absent.
Bailey said he couldn’t help but notice the players who weren’t at Dove Valley for the start of the conditioning program. They include NFL sacks leader Elvis Dumervil and wide receiver Brandon Marshall, two of the Broncos’ five restricted free agents who received one-year tender contracts from the team.
“When you get to a situation like this, where guys are not getting the long-term deals that they should, they’re not becoming unrestricted free agents like they should be, it affects a lot of guys’ careers. We’re seeing it firsthand with a few guys,” Bailey said. “The way the organization handles it, I’m not even sure the best way to go. I’ve tried to put myself in their shoes, and it’s a tough deal.”
Bailey said he is confident Dumervil is keeping in shape while working out away from Denver, and that he plans to call Marshall — whom Bailey said he hasn’t talked to since the Pro Bowl in January — to see “where he’s going.”
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
