For the Denver Broncos, the 2012 offseason could be used to lay the foundation of the secondary once cornerback Champ Bailey transitions to safety down the line and eventually into retirement. While the team could certainly use its first-round draft pick in April on a cornerback like Janoris Jenkins or Stephon Gilmore, first we must see what will happen in free agency.
If Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr hits the free agent market, the Broncos should definitely think about opening up the checkbook for him. The four-year veteran out of Grand Valley State is set to become a free agent -- that is, as long as the Chiefs don't use the franchise tag on him.
Adam Teicher of KansasCity.com isn't quite sure what to make of it, but he certainly believes there's some message behind the Chiefs' interest in Stanford Routt, recently released by the Oakland Raiders. It could be an indication that the team would rather use its franchise tag on wide receiver Dwayne Bowe or it could be a way to tell Carr that he better change his negotiating stance if he wants to re-sign with the team.
The Broncos wouldn't need to see guys like Andre Goodman or Jonathan Wilhite get burned anymore. Carr had four interceptions in 2011, doubling his career total to eight interceptions in his career.
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