Dion

Bailey

Bailey (6-foot, 201) played the old safety/linebacker hybrid position at USC, made famous by the likes of Darnell Bing. Possessing 4.66 speed and limited all-around athleticism (34" vertical, 9'5" broad jump), Bailey will most likely prove a solid college defender whose skill set fails to transition to the pros. The priority UDFA projects as a special teamer and possible dime linebacker.

Bailey briefly started in place of holdout SS Kam Chancellor, but struggled mightily. He was benched for DeShawn Shead, and waived upon Chancellor’s return. He’ll be a special teamer for the Jets.

With SS Kam Chancellor holding out for a new contract and FS Earl Thomas recovering from offseason surgery, Bailey has been getting some reps with the first-team defense and will continue to do so, according to coach Pete Carroll. Bailey was signed as a priority UDFA last year out of USC and spent the season on Seattle’s practice squad. He has a chance to fill Jeron Johnson’s role from last season as the Seahawks’ No. 3 safety and a core special teamer.

A sophomore UDFA out of USC, Bailey’s playmaking ability has vaulted him to the top of the depth chart in Chancellor’s absence. “He had an amazing ability to get to the ball, a bunch of interceptions,” said Seahawks’ assistant head coach for defense Rocky Seto. “It’s shown up on the field in practices and hopefully it translates into games, too.” Even when Chancellor is back, Bailey should make an impact as Seattle’s No. 3 safety.

Bailey was cut to make room for Kam Chancellor. He struggled mightily in spot duty, getting benched for DeShawn Shead in Week 2. Bailey has practice squad eligibility and should resurface.

The Jets claimed Bailey off waivers from the Seahawks earlier this week. When he returns, he’ll back up Calvin Pryor at strong safety.