When the Bucs announced just before today's press conference that the team would be holding a second press conference tomorrow, many assumed that it was to announce the signing of Anthony Collins (as well as Josh McCown, and possibly others).
Well, we're still waiting on that Collins signing, but there may well be another AFC North talent who gets introduced as a Buccaneer tomorrow, as Jason La Canfora reports ex-Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders will be visiting the Bucs today.
OC Jeff Tedford had talked about needing "speed in space", which is why it made a lot of sense that the Bucs were reportedly pursuing Dexter McCluster. The Bucs may have missed out on McCluster, but Sanders has 'speed in space' in spades, with a 4.4 40-yard dash time. Crucially, Sanders is a returner as well as a receiver. This would go some way to explaining why Devin Hester is not one of the players to have visited One Buc Place.
Sanders has improved every year that he's been in the NFL, upping his receptions and yards per game every season he's been in the league. 2013 was his best season yet, catching 67 balls for 740 yards and 6 touchdowns, while also getting one carry for 25 yards. He would provide the Bucs with a legitimate field-stretching 'burner', which could be lethal in a three-receiver set with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. With speed, good hands and the ability to be a returner, Sanders would make a lot of sense for the Bucs to sign.