Buccaneers Buzz On Nate Burleson
February 14th, 2014
Detroit media says the Bucs are in the mix
Joe’s going to take you inside NFL Media 101 this afternoon.
Here’s a Detroit Free-Press story about Lions wide receiver and fan favorite Nate Burleson, who was cut yesterday. Yes, he’s the same guy who returned from eight weeks off following a pizza-induced injury to catch seven balls (one touchdown) against the Buccaneers last season.
The reporter, Dave Birkett, serves up many quotes from Burleson, which lets you know how accessible Burleson is and that he has a good relationship with media. Birkett then tells his readers, without a source, that the Buccaneers and Cowboys could be vying for his services.
A fan favorite who started his “Lion Blood” clothing line during his time in Detroit, Burleson said he plans to play at least one more year before possibly pursuing the broadcast career most think he’s ticketed for.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, where former Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is now calling plays, are among Burleson’s potential landing spots.
Now who do you think gave those team names to Birkett? Joe would bet a few thousand nickels it was Burleson. That’s just how it works; Burleson lets the reporter know the teams pursuing him but says something like, ‘you didn’t hear it from me.’
Burleson also went on Detroit sports radio and said clubs already are inquiring about his services. Since Burleson was cut, he can be signed immediately, before the free agency bell rings on March 11.
Now how would Burleson fit with Tampa Bay? Well, given the sorry depth in the Bucs’ receiving corps, Joe thinks Burleson’s 457 career catches look pretty good, and he caught 39 balls in half a season last year. That’s not too shabby.
Joe hopes the Bucs are exploring Burleson. What’s the harm? Tampa Bay should aggressively check out available guys to hone the new regime’s recruiting and evaluation teamwork, as well as to leave no stone unturned in improving the Bucs.
February 14th, 2014 at 5:34 pm
Shut up joe
Hmm. Joe hopes your Friday improves. –Joe
February 14th, 2014 at 5:43 pm
smh …the guy would be taking a camp spot away from a possibly younger, faster, hungrier player. I mean c’mon aren’t there any better FA to pursue. This guys looking for one more payday before that mysterious hamstring injury holds him out for a prolonged time before his retirement speech.
February 14th, 2014 at 5:49 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him land here. And honestly, I’ll take a few WRs in FA or the draft as well. Tedford will be shopping for some playmakers and Nate is a solid vet who could put some pressure on a guy like Williams to perform.
February 14th, 2014 at 5:59 pm
I always liked Burleson, as long as he wasn’t playing against us. He’s definitely better than Underwood or Ogletree, that’s for damn sure. Hopefully we’ll give him a shot.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:02 pm
He would make since he’s always been speedy and shift in space ala Tedford’s offense.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:04 pm
@SAMCRO,
What makes you think he’s not hungry? Do you know him? Does he have a reputation for being a non-worker? So because he has a plan after retirement, you draw those conclusions? And finally, who exactly are you speaking of when you mention ” a possibly younger, faster, and hungrier player”? So you’d rather have Chris Owusu than Nate Burleson? You’d rather have Underwood? Give me a name on our roster aside from Jackson and Williams you think is better than Burleson. Who do you think we should bring in younger that’s going to be better? Be a man and give some names instead of shaking your head.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
He is a more talented WR than what his production indicates. Lingering health issues. For some reason has always done well against us. Would be a good #2/3.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
He won’t take a you =nger players spot, he’ll be in addition to the younger receiver we draft this year.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
younger*
February 14th, 2014 at 6:20 pm
Why? you would disagree with everyone I mentioned, so why bother? Let’s wait to see who comes available before FA. Their will be quite a few names that are better than the high mileage Burleson who can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to stick with a team longer than 2 years. Like I said why wrap up a roster spot on a has been before FA even begins? We seem to do this every year. i.e. Olgletree last year. Look how long he lasted. There are 90 spots for camp to evaluate players. We already should have an ideal what Burleson can offer this late in his career. I would only sign him to a no guarantee money upfront and expect him to compete for a spot on the 53 man roster. No gimmee gimmees
February 14th, 2014 at 6:22 pm
@PRBucFan,
You mean Sammy Watkins? Ha ha, are you coming around to the right side now?
February 14th, 2014 at 6:30 pm
lol Or Benjamin in a later round =) I think Sammy would be an amazing player, but I’m still banging the drum for a pocket passer who can move ahaha.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:48 pm
@PRBucFan,
Good to see you are coming around. I’m already pretty resigned to the fact that Glennon or Vick is the best we are going to be able to do for next year. If we stay at pick 7, we are probably going to be stuck with the 4th or 5th best QB in the draft. 7 is way too high of a pick for that, unless the guy you would take #1 is somehow still available. I think Watkins brings the most immediate impact to our team, which is what I want. I’m tired of waiting, and developmental projects. Watkins will come in and go over 1000 yards and 7 or 8 TD’s no problem IMO. He’s that good. I don’t think bringing in a new LT is going to all of a sudden make whoever our QB is better, because he still won’t have anyone to throw to. Watkins is perfect at taking screen passes and racking up tons of YAC. I’m pretty sure we could use that.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:48 pm
I would LLOVEEEEEEEEEEEE if we landed watkins in the draft. Nate would be a good addition to have around say Williams got hurt again. He would come in handy. Mike williams prototype.
February 14th, 2014 at 6:59 pm
Meh….32, often injured….for depth I’m fine with but it’s not like he brings something special to the table. I’d rather give the roster spot to Josh Huff.
February 14th, 2014 at 7:01 pm
I don’t know if Watkins even makes it to 7. Something tells me the Rams are going to either take him at 2, or trade down to 4, 5, or 6 and get him (more likely). We always seem to be one spot away from taking the guy I want.
February 14th, 2014 at 7:12 pm
I like Burleson. I think he would kick butt in the slot – he compliments what we already have between VJ & Williams. And it saves us a draft pick for a DE or a guard (besides, unless you use a top pick, it takes WR years to really develop). Speed is nice, but precise route running trumps it. VJ is slower than me and he gets open. Imagine the 3 of them…
February 14th, 2014 at 7:12 pm
The rams aren’t picking two are they???? If they are and they don’t I can see Atl taking him to have Jones, White and Watkins. Tell me that wouldn’t be scary twice a year. Whoever we get I wouldn’t trade up with picks. If we can find a way to trade up with someone on our roster than maybe but who???? So many variables
February 14th, 2014 at 7:17 pm
IMO, if possible, I would move up to OAK at #5 once they are on the clock, if either Teddy, Johnny or Clowney are the board – trade next years 3rd rd pick. OR move down, maybe with PIT (they need a tackle) for their 2nd rd pick and look at Stephon Truitt, as Joe suggested today.
Any other players at 7 don’t get me that excited. I don’t dislike Watkins, I just think he is a bit of a luxury pick for us.
February 14th, 2014 at 7:19 pm
@Kevin,
Yes, they got it from the RG3 trade with Washington. I think Atlanta is probably going defense, but you’re right, that would be a ridiculous WR corps if they got Watkins (plus White is getting a little long in the tooth). I predict Clowney goes #1, Cleveland trades with the Rams to get Manziel, then they get Watkins at 4. At that point, I probably won’t be a happy camper. I want a dynamic playmaker on offense really really bad. I would probably hope we would trade down a few picks and get Mike Evans, but I’d much much rather have Watkins. Like you, I’m not in favor of giving up good picks to move up. Historically, that doesn’t usually work out well. If we do, we better not blow it.
February 14th, 2014 at 7:28 pm
How about this, Doug Martin didn’t look a whole lot better than Mike james…a seventh rounder last year. Martin is still a big name from his rookie year. Trade Martin for some picks with someone….if there is someone, and THEN move up. Pickup another rb in the middle rounds. RB’s are a dime a dozen now that all the teams are going to timeshares in the back field, but his name might get some picks before or at the draft. Maybe like to Jacksonville with MJD getting older, or cleveland who felt like they struck out with Richardson. Trade Martin to one of those dummies for a couple picks or a first rounder and THEN move up. sounds good to me!!!
February 14th, 2014 at 7:54 pm
“Trade Martin to one of those dummies for a couple picks or a first rounder and THEN move up. sounds good to me!!!”
Kevin…I’m actually not opposed to that way of thinking, that’s IF the Bucs want Manziel or Teddy. Also I have a Martin jersey that’s only 1 year old and I’ll give it up if the Bucs want to move up in the draft. That’s Martin and the #7 pick to move up to #2 or so, if they think Johnny is the answer. Could the Lambs use Doug Martin?
I don’t think any of this will happen. It’s fun to play Bucs GM every once and awhile though.
February 14th, 2014 at 7:56 pm
@Joe
Tampa Fan Says:
“…Shut up joe
Hmm. Joe hopes your Friday improves. –Joe…”
A classy response to an obnoxious post, well done
February 14th, 2014 at 8:01 pm
For just one year? I don’t know about this one..
February 14th, 2014 at 8:18 pm
Doug Martin RB’s aren’t a dime a dozen. He is a special RB, and one of our very few great players. You don’t get rid of a great player who’s not even close to his prime. That’s foolish, and there’s no way it happens. I absolutely hate that idea. Besides, trading a player for a draft pick almost never happens in the NFL>
February 14th, 2014 at 8:26 pm
lol Trade Martin because he didn’t shine on a horribly performing line and got hurt once the line decided to run block a little?
Yes trade a franchise back please
February 14th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Damn PR, what’s going on that we are agreeing so much? This is crazy, lol. RB’s are a dime a dozen according to some. People are either ignorant, or just plain don’t think before they type. Yeah, let’s give up a great player to move up a couple spots and grab someone who isn’t proven. Totally logical. That’s almost as crazy as people thinking we should trade away Vincent Jackson. Oh wait, that’s been said too! We could probably give up Martin, Jackson, and McCoy next year to get Winston, and there would be MORONS that would be all for it.
February 14th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
Joe,
We need Criminals, too many nice guys on our team. Not a bunch of douche’s like Kellen Winslow, but like 1 or 2 guys who might miss a couple games for punching a bouncer or something like that.
I’m thinking SLB is perfect for that. A Joey Porter kinda player.
Who can fill that role Joe? Draft/ free agency? Hook up the article bro.
February 14th, 2014 at 8:48 pm
lol too crazy
February 14th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Nate would be an Ike Hilliard-type of signing. I’m in favor of it. He has good hands, which is something you speed guys tend to forget.
February 14th, 2014 at 9:13 pm
@Bonzai,
That’s exactly who he reminds me of. Hilliard was money on third down. Nowadays, people are so damn mesmerized by 40 times that they forget that that’s truly only a small part of being a WR.
February 14th, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Sammy!!!!
February 14th, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Okay then ya don’t move up and stay put at 7. Because that’s all ya got. A player and a couple picks?
February 14th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
@1987,
There are other ways to move up, but I personally am not in favor of it unless you absolutely KNOW the guy you are moving up to get is going to be the man. I love Johnny Football as much as anyone not owning a website named joebucsfan.com, but I just don’t think it’s smart to give up the house to get him. If we can get him for a reasonable price, then I’m 100% for it. There’s a big difference in price between moving up to #1 or #2 versus moving up to #5. We can still get a great player at 7, we just have to scout well.
Giving up one of our very few great players is beyond risky. It’s just plain stupid. Doug Martin is a great player, and he should be miles better with someone not named Sullivan or Schiano coaching him. Martin isn’t Trent Richardson (damn I was so wrong on that guy, smh).
February 14th, 2014 at 10:14 pm
Trade Martin? Why don’t we trade Williams and our 2nd round pick to Patriots for Mallet and take Sammy or Best LT at 7 and fill D holes in FA. Been spending too many picks on D with no return.
February 14th, 2014 at 10:36 pm
trade down
February 14th, 2014 at 11:33 pm
Trade down and get Kony Ealy! Then trade back in the 1st and get Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
February 14th, 2014 at 11:56 pm
C’mon Buc1987, you’re smarter than that, Doug Martin is a dynamic player that doesn’t come around that often, to package him in a trade up deal, and then for someone like Manziel would be a HUGE gamble, Martin is a proven commodity, a way above average all around back, I wouldn’t even trade him straight up for Manziel, who’s floor might have more room than his ceiling. Now If Manziel is there at #7, (which I doubt) then ok grab him, I’m not gonna cut my wrist over it, I do happen to think he can be a good QB, just not gonna give up a premium player just for the “chance” to draft an unproven “sexy” pick.
***And I mean the player as being sexy, not the man-ah you know what I mean! lol
February 15th, 2014 at 12:59 am
Is it me or do the Bucs always get players after their prime only after passing on them in their prime?
February 15th, 2014 at 1:17 am
Been had my eye on Burleson for some time now. Since he was a Seahawk. Kind of stunning to me how he couldn’t keep his job in seattle. But then again he was and has always been riddled with injuries. With that said, he’s a fantastic playmaker whenever he has the chance to be. Decent return man too. But i don’t know..I’m on the fence. If we were to sign him, i wouldn’t want us to turn away from getting SW if he’s available at 7.
February 15th, 2014 at 2:21 am
Hawaiian Buc…you don’t know how often Martin will be used in Tedford’s system.
And Martin ran wild as a rookie under Schiano and Sully during his rookie season.
The jury is still out on Tedford or whether or not he will be a better OC than Sully. The bar is not set very high to begin with after this past season though. I get that part of it. I’m just not expecting much from him.
February 15th, 2014 at 2:26 am
Does anyone REALLY see them trading Martin to move up? I don’t either, but anyone can speculate anything they want these days.
February 15th, 2014 at 3:55 am
If Tedford is a good OC, then Martin will be used a ton in his system. A good OC will utilize their great players, which is exactly what Martin is. Obviously it won’t happen, but it’s just crazy for anyone to suggest that in any way it would be a good idea.
February 15th, 2014 at 8:38 am
Yes we do, Tedford uses his RB often.
That’s fact.
His offenses always have.
February 15th, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Thomas, Bortles, or Carr in the first round, and if Watkins in the first round then Grappolo in the second. If we don’t get a great QB we are going to be stuck watching Glennon destroying our season once again. Watkins is far better than Burleson, who just is not durable enough.
February 16th, 2014 at 3:36 am
If they can find a couple dance partners it might be best to trade back a couple times and accumulate draft picks.