Appears Bucs “Moved On” From Earnest Graham
May 21st, 2012
When a drafted rookie wears the number of a veteran free agent who has yet to sign a contract with his team, that’s usually a sign said veteran’s days with the club are done.
That looks to be the case this year with fan favorite Earnest Graham, as rookie Michael Smith, who the Bucs are already calling their version of Darren Sproles, is wearing Graham’s old No. 34.
Joe pointed this out during the rookie mini-camp and quite a few fans savaged Joe for thinking such a thought.
Well now, it’s not just Joe reporting this news. Now Pat Yasinskas of ESPN believes Graham has played his last snap for the Bucs, so he suggested in a recent NFC South chat.
Nathan (Orange County)
Is it time to say farewell to earnest Graham? I think so.Pat Yasinskas
Think that already has been done. He’s not under contract with Bucs and I think it’s obvious they’ve moved on. If healthy, Earnest probably could still get a job elsewhere in NFL.
That’s the problem though, Graham probably isn’t healthy.
First, Graham is an old man by running back standards. He’s 32. Then throw in he’s coming off of an Achilles injury, that’s not good for anyone much less a senior citizen running back.
Joe thinks the world of Earnest Graham. The consummate professional. Sadly, Father Time rests for no one.
May 21st, 2012 at 8:06 am
Patrick brought it up in a JBF post yesterday. Of course, it would depend on his injury and his injury history….. then again, I guess it doesn’t seem all that possible.
Sad to see such a good man go.
May 21st, 2012 at 8:08 am
Great team player!
May 21st, 2012 at 8:20 am
If healthy he would still be one of the best RBs on the team. His body type and under useage would allow him to play until 34 IMO.
May 21st, 2012 at 8:51 am
Graham has been the Schiano type of player before we had Schiano. He’s the kind of guy every team wants on their roster, selfless and hard working, and even productive on the field.
It was painfully obvious to me that his career was done after the london game thougg. I’ve been saying it a while to those expecting him back from an achilles tear at his age, not happening. Maybe position coaching is in his future, absolute stand up gentleman, I reallly wish him the best.
May 21st, 2012 at 8:57 am
If he doesn’t get picked up, and retires, the Bucs should sign him to a one-day deal, so that he retires as a Buc. I know that’s typically only done for HoF type playes, but Graham’s story is a great one about perseverance and professionalism.
Starting undrafted, and getting cut his rookie year. Finding his spot on the roster as a special teamer, getting elevated from spot duty to regular starter, then relegated to back-up or Fullback. He fought through a major injury, and still came back to be a solid contributor. The whole time he just had the attitude of “whatever is best for the team” and worked as hard as possible to help out.
If every player on the team had that attitude and work ethic, we’d be championship contender year-in and year-out.
Earnest Graham is a great Buc, and should be remembered as such.
May 21st, 2012 at 9:29 am
Father time catches up to everyone, even the good guys…Earnest Graham had a very good career.
May 21st, 2012 at 9:47 am
Just asking, but Joe says we need a veteran RB on the roster & EG is an old veteran who could get a job on another NFL team but he’s off the roster… Any body else think those things are opposed?
May 21st, 2012 at 9:58 am
Great team and football player! Good luck Graham, wherever you end up.
May 21st, 2012 at 10:09 am
I respect Graham for his unselfishness, but he should’ve spoken up more and fought for a better role on the team. He was a big talent that the team just wasted for way too many years.
May 21st, 2012 at 10:13 am
Looks like we moved on from Winslow too http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/21/kellen-winslow-says-hes-done-in-tampa-bucs-trying-to-trade-him/
May 21st, 2012 at 10:28 am
NFL.COM reports that Winslow will not be back with the Bucs. Looks like he will be traded. The Bucs seem to be cutting all ties with anything/anyone that is negative. Winslow is a great player but not being involved in practices hurts the whole team.
May 21st, 2012 at 10:40 am
Are you F’KING serious?!
F’k that!
We better be getting Osi in return, otherwise this is damn stupid
May 21st, 2012 at 10:43 am
Sounds like they’ve moved on from Graham and K2. From what I’ve heard today, Bucs are trying to get rid of him. As I stated when the Bucs gave up a 2nd and a 5th (or whatever it was), that was a stupid move. Why give up premium picks for a guy that will have a a short career? Winslow was 25 at the time but I guess his knees were 40… looks like they were closer to 50.
May 21st, 2012 at 10:50 am
Win slow per Tampa Bay Times has been told he is being traded!! Thoughts
May 21st, 2012 at 10:54 am
not to hi-jack a thread but read the article on win-slow on profootballtalk. all i can say to the win-slow fans is TOLD YEA!
May 21st, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Sad about Graham, Meh about Winslow