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Now What? The Bucs' Receivers

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 26, 2009

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers desperately need to break their trend of having only one good receiver a year.

There have never been two players with more than 1,000 yards receiving in one season throughout Tampa Bay's history. The closest the team came was 1998, when Bruce Hill had 1,040 receiving yards and nine touchdowns and Mark Carrier added 970 yards and five touchdowns.

Joey Galloway was that one good receiver for three straight years, but he was cut Wednesday after watching his playing time dwindle in 2008, along with fellow veteran Ike Hilliard. The Bucs need help, and there doesn't appear to be a lot of that on their current roster.

Tampa Bay has virtually locked up its 2008 star, Antonio Bryant, with the franchise tag but needs another player or two to complement him. Michael Clayton is a potential free agent with only one good season on his resume, while the other Bucs receivers are largely unproven.

Bucs Under Contract For 2009

Brian Clark: Emerged on special teams, coaches love his potential.

Dexter Jackson: Second-round pick in 2008 has plenty to prove.

Micheal Spurlock: Slowly becoming the odd man out.

Maurice Stovall: Great on special teams, but absent as a receiver.

Paris Warren: Loads of potential before 2007 foot injury derailed career.

Bucs Potential Free Agents

Antonio Bryant: Could be even better if not team's only threat.

Michael Clayton: Will only re-sign if Bucs throw him the ball.

NFL Potential Free Agents

WR Bobby Engram, Seahawks: Injury prone, but had 1,000 yards in 2007.

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals: Paired with Bryant and dominance begins.

WR Devery Henderson, Saints: Deep-threat playmaker worth consideration.

WR Lance Moore, Saints: Restricted FA is better than most in the draft.

WR Shaun McDonald, Lions: Had nearly 1,000 yards in 2007.

WR Nate Washington, Steelers: Deep threat was Pittsburgh's No.3 receiver.

Should the Bucs pursue one or more of these free agents to improve their receiving corps, or try to find more skilled receivers in the draft?

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