Vic Fangio and Bryce Callahan will be reuniting soon, with the former Bears cornerback set to visit the Broncos, Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post tweets.
A broken foot ended Callahan’s strong contract year, but Fangio coached the slot corner in all four of his NFL seasons. While Callahan would be a natural fit for Fangio’s defense in Denver, his injury and the makeup of the Broncos’ secondary could complicate it.
Chris Harris has handled the Broncos’ slot duties for most of this decade and has become one of this era’s top corners, being most identified for his inside coverage skills. While Harris plays outside in base sets, the Broncos use the veteran corner often in the slot. Harris, though, has requested at multiple junctures to be a full-time boundary corner, so Callahan being brought in may appease the incumbent.
Callahan, 27, finished his abbreviated season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 overall corner — just four spots behind Harris — and intercepted two passes in each of the past two seasons. The 5-foot-9 defender coming to Denver would, however, add another short corner to the Broncos’ secondary. Harris and Kareem Jackson stand 5-10.
The Broncos added Jackson on an $11MM-AAV deal earlier this week. Having played both corner and safety in Houston, though mostly corner, Jackson brings hybrid potential for the Broncos. However, Denver lost Bradley Roby and does not plan to re-sign Tramaine Brock, creating a need for two new cornerbacks. Callahan would potentially complete that trio.
The Jets have been the only other team linked to Callahan this offseason, with the Bears not expected to pursue him. But the Jets signed former Falcons slot man Brian Poole, possibly taking them out of the running.
As a Bears fan with Denver being my #2 favorite cuz of my pops, I couldn’t be happier! I wish Amos went there too…oh well
Longtime Denver fan. Don’t know much about Callahan, but you being a Bears fan, what do you think about this signing. Think Callahan will help Broncos?Any info would be very much appreciated.
I believe Callahan has the ability to play outside if need be, but he is a premier slot corner when healthy. Teams were concerned with his durability, but he is worth the risk. Was an undrafted free agent signing and has done nothing but improve greatly since. Yes, we had Fuller and Prince, but he has great instincts and ball skill. Guy was an athletic specimen during his pro day and it shows on the field. It hurts to let him go, but be happy to have him. If it weren’t for that freak foot injury, I think the Bears would have won the Super Bowl because the slot (McManis) gave up the game-winning TD.
I believe Callahan has the ability to play outside if need be, but he is a premier slot corner when healthy. Teams were concerned with his durability, but he is worth the risk. Was an undrafted free agent signing and has done nothing but improve greatly since. Yes, we had Fuller and Prince, but he has great instincts and ball skill. Guy was an athletic specimen during his pro day and it shows on the field. It hurts to let him go, but be happy to have him. If it weren’t for that freak foot injury, I think the Bears would have won the Super Bowl because the slot (McManis) gave up the game-winning TD.