Bailey to get an extended look at WR in 05?

[SoCalBronco]

Bailey gets chance as receiver

By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer


Post file
Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey




At the Pro Bowl, Champ Bailey said his objective this offseason was to become an option for the Broncos offensively.

The team is taking him up on it, showing a desire to work with Bailey as a receiver.

Denver coach Mike Shanahan said this week at the NFL owners meetings the team plans to work closely with Bailey on offense during the offseason camps.

"That will be a big part of what Champ does in the offseason," Shanahan said. "We're going to see what he can do ... to work some as a receiver."

The All-Pro cornerback worked some on offense in the early offseason last year. Bailey played about 20 offensive snaps and said he has to become a more consistent route runner.

Shanahan said the idea of having Bailey on offense is well worth whatever extra time it takes.

"That speed of his makes it really appealing," Shanahan said.

Brown still mulling future
Advertisement


Defensive end Courtney Brown's decision to play next season is inadvertently causing a free agency logjam.

Denver is waiting to see what Brown is going to do and is holding off on its other free-agent plans. Denver has interest in Baltimore defensive end Marques Douglas and Atlanta defensive tackle Ed Jasper.

Brown had told teams he'd make a decision Thursday and then by Friday but continues to ponder. Washington and the Broncos, who have been in nearly daily contact with Brown, are the front-runners. Jacksonville is also in the mix.

Douglas also is getting interest from Cleveland, and Jasper from Tampa Bay and Oakland.

Call him coach

Linebacker Keith Burns, last with Tampa Bay, is getting an early jump on his NFL coaching career. Burns, 32, officially returned to Denver on Friday and is expected to assist in coaching Broncos' special teams. It's his third stint with the team. He'll also play on special teams.

Burns, one of the most popular players on the team, spent last season in Tampa Bay after leaving the Broncos. Having a player/coach is nothing new to the Broncos - Jimmy Spencer, now assistant defensive backs coach, was a player/coach in 2003.

Looking for a punter

Denver likely will bring in a punter to compete with the re-signed Jason Baker, who finished the 2004 season as the Broncos' punter.

"We want competition there," Shanahan said.

Good as Gold

The only reason Tampa Bay cut linebacker Ian Gold was financial, Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said this week at the meetings.

Gold was cut in early March by the salary cap-strapped Buccaneers. The Broncos quickly signed Gold, who had left Denver for Tampa Bay last April.

"I'll miss him," Gruden said. "I didn't want to lose him. Denver is lucky to have him back."