Should the Browns Consider Plaxico Burress?

by shep615 on Jun 5, 2011 1:01 PM EDT

I was reading the AFC North blog today, and one of the posts from a couple days ago talked about whether the Browns should take a chance with Plaxico Burress. He is set to be released from jail tomorrow, so it seems like a pretty good time to talk about this. James Walker seems to think if he comes at the right price then we should take a shot (here's a link to his post: (http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/28248/should-browns-consider-plaxico-burress).

What do you guys think?

Here are the pro's and con's (in my opinion):

Pros:

When he left the NFL to spend some time perfecting the art of holding on to the soap, he was one of the top receivers in the NFL. He's a nice big target to throw to and if the highlights I watched are any indicator, he can definitely go up and get the ball. He's gotta bring a ton of good experience on how to be a great receiver in the NFL.

Cons:

He's been in the slammer for the last two years, and he was pretty much a big moron off the field before he was sent to jail. Being in jail for the last two years means he hasn't played football for two years. I don't think we should really expect that he will be at the top of his game like he was before he went to jail, but he should be decent at least.

Overall, I think it basically depends on whether he's changed his ways or not. I read on bleacherreport that Shurmur said he isn't going to be scared away by character concerns, but in this case I'm not sure it would be a good idea if he hasn't changed. Greg Little hasn't played football for a year and might be somewhat of a diva, and I don't see Burress as a good fit given that he hasn't played for even longer and may even encourage Little to turn into a diva. BUT, if he's changed his ways, I could see him adding a good veteran presence and even being productive on the field. That would be nice to have, especially with a bunch of young guys and a young quarterback.

I think it could be fairly likely to happen, especially since (I think) Heckert was part of the decision to bring Michael Vick on board with the Eagles.

What are your thoughts?

Poll

Should the Browns try to sign Plaxico Burress?

Yes

39 votes

No

48 votes

Maybe

27 votes

114 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

we could definitely use a solid veteran guy like Burress. I’m absolutely in on this one. He was an idiot for what he did, but it certainly wasn’t as blatantly criminal as what Vick did, and Vick has made a phenomenal comeback. I’m not saying Burress will do the same thing, but there’s no reason to think he can’t.

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Jun 5, 2011 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

Pass

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.
In practice there is. -- Yogi Berra

by JustPlainBrowns on Jun 5, 2011 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

Pass. Not because of a character issue or anything, just want to pass. Also, he’s a former Steeler.

Nissan GT - R.

Sexy. Sexy. Sexy.

by SpecialBrownie on Jun 5, 2011 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Roye used to be a Steeler, and he was a pretty damn good Brown while we had him.

If we don't resign Phil Dawson until he retires from the league I'm going to cry like a little sissy boy.

by Brownsbacker488 on Jun 6, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

He then became a Steeler again. Get him outta here. And he wasn’t all that good really.

Nissan GT - R.

Sexy. Sexy. Sexy.

by SpecialBrownie on Jun 6, 2011 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Roye was probably our best defensive lineman in the early 2000’s.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 6, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Is that saying a lot?

Nissan GT - R.

Sexy. Sexy. Sexy.

by SpecialBrownie on Jun 7, 2011 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions

How can you hate on Morpheus?

Evil wins again, but Truth prevails where Good fails.

by North Coast Flea on Jun 7, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions

When you spend two top 5 picks and spend money in free agency, then I think it is.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 7, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Might as well. He’d fit right in with some of our picks this year.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Jun 5, 2011 5:34 PM EDT reply actions

I know you’re being sarcastic, but I don’t think he would fit in very well at all. I think Burress is (or was, at least) an elite talent and could very well be a huge addition to our offense. But IMO aside from the question marks about Little, we are looking pretty solid in the “character” department at this point and Burress has too many question marks to risk adding him to the mix.

We're going to hold onto him by the nose and we're going to kick him in the ass. We're going to kick the hell out of him all the time and we're gonna go through him like crap through a goose. -- Patton (channeling his inner Joe Thomas)

by burntorangeandbrown on Jun 5, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I think being solid in the character department is even more reason to sign him. His talent potential could really help us; and there are enough solid guys on this team now that they wouldn’t allow Burress to tear the team apart if he continues his buffoonery.

Resident Tim Couch Apologist.

by Dawg Nuts on Jun 5, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe – the only problem I see is the fact that he is an older, seasoned veteran and I wonder how much he is going to be influenced by the “young core” guys. Then again maybe after almost two years in prison he’s had a big enough slice of humble pie to come out with the ego in check. I don’t know. I do have to say I was amazed at what Vick did under the same circumstances – have no idea about Burress and whether he might have the same constitution and determination Vick apparently had in turning his life around.

by burntorangeandbrown on Jun 6, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe

(this was my vote BTW)

by burntorangeandbrown on Jun 6, 2011 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions

who do you consider to be our “young core” guys? even though i think Robiskie and Massaquoi will benefit from the WCO i wouldn’t say they’re our core just yet. they haven’t proven to be anything more than decent. neither have yet to take charge of our receivers group to be considered the “core.”

If we don't resign Phil Dawson until he retires from the league I'm going to cry like a little sissy boy.

by Brownsbacker488 on Jun 6, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I wasn’t necessarily talking about our WR corps – was really just referring to the team as a whole.

Thomas, Mack, McCoy, Hillis, Haden, Rubin (Robiskie perhaps..)
(… throw Fujita in there even though not so young, but core leadership / strong character)

by burntorangeandbrown on Jun 6, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it is less likely that Plaxico will continue shooting himself than Vick starting to off dogs again. Both are unlikely – just sayin.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 7, 2011 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely not. I don’t think the potential positives outweigh all the negatives.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Jun 5, 2011 5:50 PM EDT reply actions

I would like it, but I assume that he will get more money elsewhere. (St. Louis?)

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 6, 2011 1:12 AM EDT reply actions

He isn’t the player he used to be. If they could get him on the cheap I’d be ok with it, but someone will over-pay him.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 6, 2011 9:15 AM EDT reply actions

Drew Rosenhaus is his agent. Getting him on the cheap is likely out of the question.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Jun 6, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah forget it then.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 6, 2011 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Can he really demand that much money coming out of jail? I would think Michael Vick would kinda set the standard. Wasn’t he signed to a cheap 1 year contract? Or I guess the fact that Vick is working out might make it so teams would be willing to pay more for him.

by shep615 on Jun 6, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I think WR is much less demanding than QB.

Plus, many people thought Vick was going to be without his greatest weapon (speed). Burress was never a burner, he used his size almost better than anyone. He didn’t get any smalled in the clink.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 6, 2011 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

we should TRY.

If we don’t, I could see him going to the Ravens.

my money is on the Pats picking him up.

"You are the worst villains in football, your evil plan never ceases."-Mooncamping

by discoinferno083 on Jun 6, 2011 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

I’m gonna guess Colts.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 6, 2011 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Chiefs.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Jun 6, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Dark Horse: Rams.

"Quote goes here."

by Adrock2099 on Jun 7, 2011 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions

we should try just to keep him off the Ravens?

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 6, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought Boldin would have a bigger impact for the Ravens. I was partly wrong on that (he still torched us).

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Jun 7, 2011 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions

At least Boldin I could see. I don’t think Plaxico has a ton left. He is at best, an average 2nd WR on a decent team imo and the Ravens already have too many possession WRs. Its not a big deal if they get him

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 7, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Burress is not coming to Baltimore. We are set at WR for a while now, and we tried to veteran thing last year and it just did not work out as well as we wanted.

My guess is St. Louis, Carolina, or Philly.

"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith

by Mr MaLoR on Jun 8, 2011 4:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I really don’t think he is that good of a fit.

The things they need (sharp route-runner who read coverages and adjusts) and the things he does (using his size) don’t line up.

This is from ESPN’s analysis of teams need/interest in Plaxico and this specifically was from the colts. He has never been a great route runner and in our new offense will put more of an influence on route running.

I also think he is over the hill and may not have speed to separate consistently. He is best at using his size, but we already have big, strong WRs. momass, Robi, and Little are all well-built WRs and we have good TEs with size. What we need is a WR to stretch the field.

I want to give Colt as best of options as possible, but I am not sure at his age (and being away from the game this long) if he is a significant upgrade from Robi/momass and at this point, I would rather give reps to the young guys.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 6, 2011 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

Pass on Plaxico, sign a veteran guy better than MoMass, a veteran slot WR, and then trade either MoMass or Robo for a pick if you can get one. Let Little and Mitchell fight for survival and Cribbs as 3rd or 4th receiver.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 7, 2011 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, let’s give up on as many second round recievers as we can, before they’ve played their third year in the league, and before they’ve ever been on the field with a competent quarterback. Sounds like a plan.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Jun 7, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions

The worst one of Robo or MoMass is Veikunage in my opinion. Maybe both are Veikunage. I will give Robo one prob for at least not going backwards in his second year, and MoMass a half prop for having slightly better numbers.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 7, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions

sign a veteran guy better than MoMass, a veteran slot WR

Again, like who? You can’t just keep assuming these guys are out there and willing to come to Cleveland.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 7, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Ochocinco. Wouldn’t be too far of a move from Cinci to Cleveland.

… I jest.

by shep615 on Jun 7, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Ok. Sidney Rice. Or someone else. Here are my problems with these guys:
1. MoMass took a step back from his rookie year in terms of TDs, YPC. He is arguably the worst #1 WR in the league, although it isn’t really his fault that he was considered our least sucky WR. Why did he suck more? Because we ran a vanilla offense under Daboll? No. Because our QBs sucked more? No.
2. If I combine the stats of Robo and MoMass – you get a guy with 69 catches, just under 800 yards, and 5 TDs. There are 30 + guys with more receiving yards, 30+ guys with more catches, and 40+ individuals with more TDs.
3. Does that mean they absolutely suck? Maybe not. But it does mean they have done nothing to prove they are a viable number 1. Mike Wallace proved his worth being drafted the same year – but not these 2. The best way to help them is to move them off the number 1 and number 2 slots. To not do so is insane.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 7, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Sidney Rice has had one good season, and had it with a HoF QB having one of the best years of his career.

Someone else doesn’t count. Name them.

WRs don’t grow on trees. Whoever we would sign would likely perform no better than the guys we already have, and they would have next to no potential upside, whereas the guys on the roster are entering the year when receivers typically blossom.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 7, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

should read #1 WRs

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 7, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Could we trade both Robo and MoMass for Jordan Shipley? Only kidding. I really do not think it would be difficult to find a WR better than MoMass – but I could be wrong. I would say every year there would be an average of 10 FAs that would be better, albeit some would be expensive, and some may be long in the tooth. The thing that drives me nuts, is that the Browns act like having a number 1 receiver with 36 catches and 450 yards is a-okay. Ditto with the guys on DBN that buy into that crock. If you want MoMass to develop, you will help him much more by making him a 2nd or 3rd option. If you go to a list of number 1 WRs they usually demonstrate much more than these guys did by their 2nd year. If a dog is going to bite – he will bite as a pup. And all these pups did is lick.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 7, 2011 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree momass would develop better with a #1 WR but who is there? The only real option is Santonio but do we want that headache? We could get Rice who has only had one year as a legitimate #1 or Braylon. Outside of that, you have great slot or possession receivers in free agency. The best way to get a #1? Develop them and Greg Little has the prototypical size/deep speed to be a #1 WR eventually.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 7, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t know if he would come here, but I would be happy with Sidney Rice.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 7, 2011 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, Sidney Rice we know for a fact is actually good. But that also means someone will pay him more.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Jun 7, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Right, I personally wouldn’t sign a WR this off-season, unless it was dirt cheap.

I want to fully explore the MoMass/Robo experiment. I think they are both below league average, but I want to make sure. Call it Brady Quinn hangover.

by Bernie19Kosar on Jun 7, 2011 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Call it the sensible thing to do. Really, the only reason to not give them both this year to show something is if your primary interest is in seeing Colt lock down the position before Andrew Luck is in play. Does Colt need a legit #1 this year? It probably wouldn’t hurt. Does the team need a legit #1 this year? Not really.

Dawgs by Nature -- where Hitler, apparently, 'did some good things'.

by golanbatrac on Jun 7, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree. Lets give them a shot before we throw millions of dollars at an aging Plaxico

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 8, 2011 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

If this were a contending team I would be all for ditching those two, but on a team we pretty much know isn’t making the playoffs, it definitely makes sense to be absolutely sure about them.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 8, 2011 7:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Isn’t that sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy? If you assume you are not going to make the playoffs, and don’t fix one of your largest issues, of course you won’t make the playoffs. The offense actually has some potential. Hillis showed some promise, the OL is pretty good, and TEs are well above average. Colt was sort of thrown to the fire, with preparation he may be damn good. You add a speedy compllement to RB (if Hardesty is a stiff), and a WR for a quick read and you just may have an offense that is playoff caliber.

Change isn't good or bad it just "is". Don Draper of Madmen

by realmccoy on Jun 8, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

The offense was Vanilla, there were QB changes, Colt can’t throw a decent deep ball consistently, the team didn’t pass a ton, and teams were keying on them because we had no one else. A guy like Greg Little with his skills can help free up guys like Robi and momass.

1/4 of passes to Robi were 16 yards or more, and 10% were at least 26+ yards. I can’t find the stats on momass, but just by watching most of the games they were certainly higher. Both of these guys will benefit from more of a focus on the intermediate passing game. Even with the best QBs, comp % goes down the farther away the pass and Colt still needs work on his deep ball.

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 7, 2011 9:09 PM EDT up reply actions

That would be a decent signing. Colt is on the rise, and while Mass, Robo and Little are all solid players and one of them may turn out to be a true #1 (Little in my opinion), Burress could be an asset for 1 or 2 years by bringing Colt a veteran to throw to.

However, with Holmgrim is building a talented and well put together team with few, if any, bad character players. So I could see him shying away from this one and letting the young guys develop quickly. Also, we have no idea what he will bring after being out for nearly 3 years.

by Mr MaLoR on Jun 8, 2011 4:08 AM EDT reply actions

No thanks. If this guy was 28 and had another 5 years at full speed then maybe. But he’s going to be 34 this season, and he’s going to get a big long stupid Rosenhaus contract.

We aren’t a “contender” and the only thing that is going to make him want to sign with us is way more money than anyone else wants to give. I’d rather overspend on someone younger.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Jun 8, 2011 4:40 AM EDT reply actions

he’s going to be 34 this season

This is my primary reason for not wanting him.

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway

by notthatnoise on Jun 8, 2011 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions

he’s going to be 34 this season

This makes me curious about the longevity of WRs in general. Actually I’d like to see some stats on career longevity per position (particularly for top tier players of course) just out of curiosity. Obviously it would seem kickers / QBs would have the longest careers on average, then I’d like to see how it breaks down from there. Anyone have a rough idea off-hand?

by burntorangeandbrown on Jun 8, 2011 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Its been about a year, but I saw something on this subject. Safeties have the shortest careers before they break down (28-29), then Running backs (29-30) and then WRs (30-31). Lineman, QBs, and punters can last a long time. For some reason, CBs can outlast Safeties and WRs by this study (if I remember correctly)

I teach good life choices. That’s why I almost didn’t graduate High School.
Intensive Purposes? I could care less...
your whole argument is a fallacy!

by bross09 on Jun 8, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you really consider Plax a “top tier” player? I never did.

Jerry Rice was a freak and played till he was 40. Most guys are past their prime at 30-31.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by rufio on Jun 9, 2011 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I think he will go to the Jets. They have a knack for picking up teams’ unwanted character flawed receivers. I.E Butterfingers Braylon, Santonio Holmes….

by macdowellm03 on Jun 8, 2011 9:55 PM EDT reply actions