Saints DC Rob Ryan: Champ Bailey 'looks fantastic'

New Orleans Saints cornerback Champ Bailey is already impressing his new team.

"He looks fantastic," Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan told The Advertiser. "You look out there and you think he's one of those young guys running around. But he's bringing excitement to our defense and knowledge and it's awesome to add a great player like him."

Bailey signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Saints in April after spending 10 seasons with the Denver Broncos and five with the Washington Redskins.

The 12-time Pro Bowler turns 36 next month.

"There's so much value in having a guy like that," quarterback Drew Brees said. "Not only what he can teach our young guys, but just he's still and extremely productive player."He wouldn't have chosen the New Orleans Saints if he didn't think we had a legitimate shot here — and that he could help us."

Bailey missed 11 games with a left foot injury last season, and the Broncos released him March 5.

The seven-time All-Pro joined a revamped Saints secondary that includes free safety Jairus Byrd, who the team signed to a six-year, $56 million deal six days later.

Bailey is the oldest every-down player on the Saints roster.

"If you put me on any team, I'm always going to be the old guy," Bailey said. "It's just something I've got to get used to."

"One thing I don't want to do is look back or look too far ahead. I'm taking care of what's in front of me. That's getting in shape and getting to know my guys."