ASHBURN, Va., Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The first salvo has been fired in the Champ Bailey contract saga.
Both the Washington Times and Washington Post report that Bailey, one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, has been made an offer which will make him one of the league's highest-paid defensive backs.
The papers report the Redskins have offered $55 million over nine years and will include a $14.7 million signing bonus. The Post said Bailey hopes the team will increase its offer, but the team is thinking about making it take-it-or-leave-it.
Sources told the Post that if the team makes its offer non-negotiable, it would be prepared to use the franchise-player tag to keep Bailey with the club next year.
The Times report says Washington has structured the contract to pay relatively little money up front. This has nothing to do with the salary cap, but is just for cash flow purposes.
Bailey, who made the Pro Bowl in three of his first four years, is pondering breaking off negotiations if there is no deal before the Sept. 4 season opener against the New York Jets.
He has 16 interceptions in his four-year career.
