Champ Bailey Re-Signs with Denver Broncos, Surprises League

As the NFL offseason is under way, plenty of surprising news is hitting the NFL world, the latest being veteran cornerback Champ Bailey re-signing with the Denver Broncos.

On Tuesday evening it was announced the veteran Pro Bowl cornerback is staying loyal to a team that has made him one of the fan favorites for quite a few years.

Bailey signed a four-year deal, ensuring he is buying into John Fox's plans as head coach.

Fox must be a great convincer, as it seemed Bailey was bound for a new team next season. He not only reportedly put up his house for sale a few weeks ago but also had questions about the direction of the franchise.

The signing did completely catch me off guard. There are plenty of contending teams that are in need of a cornerback.

Plus it seemed more likely Bailey would get a good payday. Many teams that would have avoided a Nnamdi Asomugha bidding war wouldn't have been afraid to take a shot at a cheaper option at corner like Champ.

However, I can see where Champ is coming from. Its tough to leave any area you are in for a long time.

Being attached to the Denver community for so long, it would have been difficult for Bailey to move to a new area this late in his career.

Credit must be given to the Broncos, though. Champ Bailey is buying into John Fox's plan, and it was key for a veteran player to make a statement to the organization by staying with the team.

Fox has proven in Carolina he can have success when the talent is given to him. The last few years in Carolina, the Panthers management was reluctant to surround the players around Fox.

Time will tell how long it will be until Fox can turn around the Broncos, but convincing Champ Bailey to return is a step in the right direction.

Matt Miselis is an NFL Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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