Burress Gets Long Awaited Release…But Where Will He Land?

Plaxico Burress was released from Prison on Monday and will re-enter the NFL as a Free Agent, re-fuelling speculation as to where he may end up. There are numerous teams in need of a tall downfield threat, and the 6’ 5”, 232lb Wide Receiver would be a welcome addition to many teams, providing he can stay fit and out of trouble.

Burress was drafted #8 overall out of Michigan State in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent four years of his career there before being traded away to the New York Giants for the 2005 season. However, after an incident which involved Burress shooting himself in the leg, Burress was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon; he was released by the Giants and later found guilty in 2009. Over the course of his career, he has caught over 500 passes, amounting to nearly 8,000 receiving yards, including the game winning TD Pass in Superbowl XVII; numbers which will undoubtedly raise the eye brows of many top NFL teams, but which ones?

A return to the Giants seems like an obvious choice. It has been rumoured that the Giants kept regular tabs on Burress whilst he was in prison and, given he has friends and allies there, the transition of coming out of jail and back into the NFL should be much smoother. Head Coach Tom Coughlin would be able to utilise the receiver’s talents better than anyone else, having experience with him, and would be more patient during his transition period. If we look at Vick’s return to the NFL from prison, it took him a while to get to the form we saw in 2010; the same can be expected of Burress. Going back to a familiar offense would certainly serve him well.

Plaxico could find another way of playing in the NFC East this season and that’s by joining the Eagles, a team heavily linked with the Receiver. Andy Reid is a veteran Head Coach, with a strong will and a hold on his locker room. He has already demonstrated that he can reform players coming out of prison and utilise their talents; Vick being the prime example and someone whom could mentor Burress and provide support during what will be a very tough time. The Eagles are also in need of a tall downfield threat, having no significant weapon at WR over 6 feet tall.

The Jets are another team who are in the discussion. Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes may not return, and a weapon like Burress may be exactly what the floundering, inconsistent Sanchez needs. The young QB is running out of time to step up for the Jets. Rex Ryan would certainly be able to ensure Burress stays in tow, and he has a veteran team to help him. They may pay up too, time’s running out for the long awaited Superbowl promised by Rex!

The Patriots, a team whose perfect season Burress helped to destroy in 2007, could also be in the running. The Patriots had the most prolific offense last season but, when called upon, they had no deep threat. This was evident in the Divisional Playoff Round against the Jets. They have two young WRs in Tate and Price, and the addition of Burress could help these young players step up and improve, whilst providing them with an immediate threat to stretch the field. With the number of weapons this team has, the pressure would be off of the Veteran and the Patriots have been known to take gambles on players considered down and out.

Another team running in the rumour mill has been the Rams, who could benefit from Burress’ Veteran experience. They rely heavily on the run and need someone to compliment Avery, who is coming off of a serious ligament injury. However, this is a very young and influential team. There’s no one there to keep him in check. This could backfire on them just as easily as help them.

My view? The Giants have Nicks, Manningham and Smith; they don’t need Burress anymore. The Pats will feel they have enough weapons, and will call on Tate and Price to step up, whilst asking very little of them again this year. The Rams are too young. It’s a straight forward battle between the Jets and the Eagles and I firmly believe he will be in Philadelphia this season…if there is one! End the lockout!

Article courtesy of Damien Jarrett.