It's no secret the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in search for Wide Receiving help this off-season. Even Starting QB Jeff Garcia eluded to as much as his season ended in a loss to the Super Bowl bound New York Giants...
Here's a couple Wide Receivers General Manager Bruce Allen should look into acquiring:
Who's that?
Most people would expect the Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald to garner the most Trade Interest this off-season, but that 15 Million dollar Cap Number for next season says it all. The Bucs should really focus on Fitzgerald's teammate in Anquan Boldin, as he is a weapon the Bucs have lacked on offense.
Dollars and Cents
Quan's set to make 2.5 Mil next season, the Bucs can clearly afford that and he would be under contract for the next three years while his contract would only max out at 3mil in 2010.
Performance Based
Boldin's been performing well in this league since he broke in, in '03. He's made it to the Pro Bowl twice, averages over 1,000 yards a season, and is only 27 years old. He's played phenominal despite a carousel of Quarterbacks throwing him the ball.
Hard Sell
Although Anquan is a Florida Native, he loves playing for Arizona and he's arguably the backbone of that team. It would probably take a King's Ransom to pry Boldin away from Arizona (think 1st Round Pick and Possibly LB Barrett Ruud). I wouldn't say Anquan is injury proned, but it would be a tough call to give up a Top Pick and a Perennial Play Maker on Defense for Quan. I would do it though
Who's that?
Maybe the Denver Broncos disgruntled WR Javon Walker is the "Best Fit" for the Buccaneers "Offensive Side".
Dollars and Cents
Walker is signed for the next 4 Years and his Contract peaks at 6.7mil in 2011. Another contract the Glazers can afford.
Performance Based
Walker while under the leadership of Green Bay's Brett Favre flourished early in his career, making the Pro Bowl. Walker's made a name for himself by becoming a deep ball threat. He averages 15 yards a catch. His ability to go after a jump ball and harness it makes his abilities attractive.
Hard Sell
Javon has demanded trades twice in his career. Once while with the Packers and now while with the Broncos. It seems early success may have gone to his head. He demanded to re-work his Rookie Contract after two seasons of play, although he had two seasons remaining on his contract. Walker has also run into injuries in his career. Tearing his ACL with the Packers and hurting his right knee with the Broncos, in both cases he missed substantial time. He's an interesting case... Maybe we can trade QB Jake Plummer for him, heh
Who's that?
This guy would be the closest thing Bucs Fans could have to resemble the Panthers Steve Smith, without switching name plates. That guy is the Jets WR Laveranues Coles.
Dollars and Cents
Like the Receivers mentioned up above, Coles is also very affordable. He's signed for the next two years and his contract max's out at 6mil in year 2009.
Performance Based
Laveranues is of the Wes Welker/Ed McCaffrey/Wayne Chrebet mold. He catches everything and with that speed, has the ability to break several lose. Despite his size he rarely gets injured, which is something Coach Gruden and GM Bruce Allen must be searching for, a play maker that stays on the field.
Hard Sell
Coles wants to be paid and it seems the Jets are unwilling to pay the 30 year old. In step the Bucs. Coles was traded for WR Santana Moss in '05, clearly the Jets are willing to trade the playmaker. A 1st or 2nd Round Pick should get it done. Coles would be an excellent addition to this Bucs offense.
I know it seems obvious since I graduated from Florida State, but I had no intentions of profiling three former Noles, honest.