Bucs re-sign Michael Bennett (1 Viewer)

[trader jake]

Per PFT

BUCS RE-SIGN BENNETTIn a move that could be a sign of the team's unwillingness to sign long-time tailback Michael Pittman to a new deal, the Buccaneers have announced that they have reached agreement with Michael Bennett on a new contract.Term of the deal were not disclosed.The Bucs acquired Bennett in a trade last season with the Chiefs. He rushed for 189 yards in Tampa, and generally was regarded as a forgotten man.Beyond Pittman and Bennett, the Bucs have running back Earnest Graham and 2005 rookie of the year Cadillac Williams. But Williams is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, and there is talk in league circles that his career could be over.Bennett qualified for the Pro Bowl in 2002, his second NFL season. The sub-4.2 speedster on Wisconsin appeared to be on track to do great things with the Vikings, but a foot injury suffered during the 2003 offseason seemed to permanently derail his career in Minnesota. Since then, he has not shown the same kind of burst he displayed with the Vikings.

I would assume this strengthens Ernest Graham's position atop the depth chart. If the Bucs were interested in bringing in/drafting a back to be "the man" in Tampa why resign Michael Bennett?Bennett didn't show much last year after joining the team. Any reason to feel differently in 08'?

 

[saintfool]

i think it points to real concerns about cadillac's health going into next season. i just don't he'll be ready or a factor.

 

[Beaumont]

I would assume this strengthens Ernest Graham's position atop the depth chart. If the Bucs were interested in bringing in/drafting a back to be "the man" in Tampa why resign Michael Bennett?Bennett didn't show much last year after joining the team. Any reason to feel differently in 08'?

Oh, I dont know. 4.6/carry IIRC. Not really a disappointment. He came in mid-season and did not get much opportunity.I agree this is good for Graham. But I would think you still see a split and Graham is not a "bell cow" back even without Caddy.I also think this is bad news for Caddy. I think it is a comment on his rehab.

 

[travdogg]

i think it points to real concerns about cadillac's health going into next season. i just don't he'll be ready or a factor.

I was thinking the opposite, that this could mean they think Caddy will contribute for them next year. Otherwise they would have gotten someone much better than Bennett. If they draft a RB it won't be until the 4th round at the earliest(they have WAY bigger needs)

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Pretty much nailed already so far - well done.

Bennett means that Graham is firmly #1 and they're concerned about a decent backup - and that doesn't appear to be Pittman.

Pittman's looking to test the FA waters.

This also means that Caddy may not be of any help this year at all.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

i think it points to real concerns about cadillac's health going into next season. i just don't he'll be ready or a factor.

I was thinking the opposite, that this could mean they think Caddy will contribute for them next year. Otherwise they would have gotten someone much better than Bennett. If they draft a RB it won't be until the 4th round at the earliest(they have WAY bigger needs)

why?If Caddy isnt healthy Graham is the starter and Bennett is the b/u. Bennett is a fine b/u

 

[Fear & Loathing]

But I would think you still see a split and Graham is not a "bell cow" back even without Caddy.

Can you tell us why you believe this to be the case?

 

[saintfool]

i think it points to real concerns about cadillac's health going into next season. i just don't he'll be ready or a factor.

I was thinking the opposite, that this could mean they think Caddy will contribute for them next year. Otherwise they would have gotten someone much better than Bennett. If they draft a RB it won't be until the 4th round at the earliest(they have WAY bigger needs)

I think they have to be pleased with Graham based on his performance last year. Bennett's re-signing is not an indictment of Graham at all. Bennett may be a change of pace back, given the fact that Graham's not a 'home run' threat. The last time I checked, the reports about Caddy's return were not optimistic. The talk was about how grueling and long a road for recovery it is for him. With Alstott retiring and Pittman a FA, the importance of a RB that has familiarity with the Bucs system is paramount.

 

[BigJim®]

I was thinking the opposite, that this could mean they think Caddy will contribute for them next year. Otherwise they would have gotten someone much better than Bennett.

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. Bennett is not a bad backup RB.

 

[Tecmo]

How much signing bonus did they give Bennett in this new deal? A low signing bonus could mean they're using Bennett as leverage on Graham and can easily be cut if Caddy's progress isn't as bad.

 

[travdogg]

I was thinking the opposite, that this could mean they think Caddy will contribute for them next year. Otherwise they would have gotten someone much better than Bennett.

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. Bennett is not a bad backup RB.

If Bennett were any good he wouldn't be on his 4th team in 3 years.

 

[noneother]

my first cut was the same as others Bad news for Caddy. The bucs are suring up the position.

but thinking about Grahm not being signed I agree with the poster thinking that this may be a positioning tactic to get Grahm at a better value. If Caddy isn't coming back, I think Grahm would have been signed first. I disagree Pittman is an option as a fulltime starter.

EDIT

First I am an idiot.. i see Bennett I read PITTMAN..

there isn't much to see here, we need grahm or pittman signed... if anything, now that I see Bennett, this could be a position tactic on Pittman..

again, ETA i am an idiot

 

[Brutis]

Bennett is a decent backup RB. This signing is very good news for Graham owners imo.

 

[Beaumont]

But I would think you still see a split and Graham is not a "bell cow" back even without Caddy.

Can you tell us why you believe this to be the case?

Because Bennett brings a lot of things to the table that Graham does not. Also, that was trending toward the end of the season. Bennett averaged 10 carries for 40 yards/game last three weeks. Including Week 15, where Graham played a full game. The line looked like this ...E. Graham 22 79 1 8M. Bennett 10 65 0 28As Bennett gets more time to become familiar with and get involved in the offense, I would suspect something around a 60/40 or 65/35 split. That is not "bell cow" to me. That is MBIII and Julius Jones type splitting. Hey, I could be wrong. Let's see the numbers on the contract. They will tell you a bit ...

 

[Beaumont]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

Bennett re-ups with Bucs

Running back Michael Bennett didn't factor prominently in the couple months after his trade to the Bucs last season.

But perhaps he'll play a bigger role in the future now that he's signed a multi-year deal with the team.

Tampa Bay announced the signing this morning, the first notable personnel move of the offseason which prevents the veteran from becoming a free agent later this month. Bennett joined the Bucs in a trade-deadline deal with Kansas City in October but was used sparingly by Jon Gruden largely because of his limited knowledge of the playbook. The 5-9, 207-pound Bennett rushed just 41 times for 189 yards, averaging 4.6 yards -- the most of any of Tampa Bay's backs.

Given the Bucs' lack of depth in the backfield, this move arguably was necessary. Prior to this move, Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams were the only backs with experience under contract. Michael Pittman is a free agent and is on record saying he would like to explore his options. Williams isn't likely to be ready when the season starts after suffering a patellar tendon tear in September.

All that left Bennett in a pretty good spot, which is to say, the Bucs felt like they needed him. And without knowing the asking prices of the several free-agent running backs on the market, it would have been risky to enter the signing period with just one back they can count on.

The guess here is that Pittman's chances of being asked to return just got slimmer. Bennett is younger (he's 29, Pittman is 32), faster and in most cases, more explosive. You can argue that Pittman is a more well-rounded back when you factor in qualities like his hands, blocking ability and special-teams contributions. Still, it will be interesting to see what role is carved out for Bennett, who would be an interesting option on third downs in place of Pittman.

On a related topic, the Bucs began talks last week with Graham, whose agent is attempting to broker a long-term deal. Pay particular attention to the contract signed by Oakland running back Justin Fargas this week, a three-year, $12-million deal that will likely come up during Graham's negotiations. Not saying Graham will fetch that sort of money, but it's certainly worth arguing for.

Check back later and we'll hopefully have some comments from Bennett. Called him a little while ago but he was boarding a flight and didn't have time to chat. He promised to call back.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

But I would think you still see a split and Graham is not a "bell cow" back even without Caddy.

Can you tell us why you believe this to be the case?

Because Bennett brings a lot of things to the table that Graham does not. Also, that was trending toward the end of the season. Bennett averaged 10 carries for 40 yards/game last three weeks. Including Week 15, where Graham played a full game. The line looked like this ...E. Graham 22 79 1 8

M. Bennett 10 65 0 28

As Bennett gets more time to become familiar with and get involved in the offense, I would suspect something around a 60/40 or 65/35 split. That is not "bell cow" to me. That is MBIII and Julius Jones type splitting.

Hey, I could be wrong. Let's see the numbers on the contract. They will tell you a bit ...

Your theory about Bennett getting more time to become familiar with the offense is bunk. There were only two reasons for Bennett's increased playing time at the end of the season: 1. He got garbage time carries in the Week 15 game you referenced because the Bucs beat the living tar out of the Falcons, and the game was decided early. I covered that game, so I remember exactly how it played out. As was always the case, Bennett didn't see the field until the game was laughably out of reach.

2. The Bucs are yet another NFL team that has decided the season isn't really 17 weeks long, so they started benching their "valuable" starters late in the season. When they rested Graham for the playoffs, Bennett got off the pine for once. Speaking of the playoffs, Bennett garnered 0% of the touches in that wild card game -- not exactly a good omen for working his way into the offense more in the coming season.

Make no mistake about it, Graham kept Bennett glued to the bench in Tampa. When you consider the offense found an identity with Graham as he put up much better numbers than Caddy had been putting up, the Bucs are not just going to decide willy-nilly to start changing things up and taking Graham out of the offense. Barring a significant injury to Graham, there's no way Bennett gets 35%-40% of the RB work. Book it.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster. Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

 

[Beaumont]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster. Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

We will see when the money is reported. The money given to Bennett/reworking if any of Graham will say everything. I think you overestimate their faith/belief in Graham. Honestly, I dont know if there really are a whole lot of people in the NFL who feel that Graham is better than Fargas. They certainly have not acted like it to date if they do ...Graham's wildcard statline was poor, approx 3.2/carry. His season yards/carry were less than Bennett.I am not saying Graham is not going to be the starter. But I am saying he is not getting 80% of the carries in that offense in 2008 IMHO. We will see.

 

[prymetyme25]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster. Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

Not a Graham hater nor supporter but to say that he is a better back than Fargas would really indicate someone who is living in the moment. And also to say that you would be saying that every team in the NFL was wrong about the 2 as Fargas was a 3rd round pick and possibly a 2nd if not for injury concerns and the fact that Graham was not even drafted. Now I have been wrong before plenty of times and so has the NFL but I dont think so in this instance.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster. Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

Not a Graham hater nor supporter but to say that he is a better back than Fargas would really indicate someone who is living in the moment. And also to say that you would be saying that every team in the NFL was wrong about the 2 as Fargas was a 3rd round pick and possibly a 2nd if not for injury concerns and the fact that Graham was not even drafted. Now I have been wrong before plenty of times and so has the NFL but I dont think so in this instance.

What does this mean? Cedric Benson was drafted in the Top 5 overall, and Tom Brady wasn't drafted until the 6th round. Why are you making it sound like it's impossible for every team in the NFL to misjudge a player in the draft? That's the norm. It doesn't mean they're awful judges of talent, it just means it's an inexact science. Injury concerns are a part of the package with Fargas, and he's simply not as good of an all-around football player as Graham is. Is Graham faster than Fargas? No. Is he a better pure runner than Fargas? Maybe. Maybe not. But he IS a better football player than Fargas.

 

[prymetyme25]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster. Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

Not a Graham hater nor supporter but to say that he is a better back than Fargas would really indicate someone who is living in the moment. And also to say that you would be saying that every team in the NFL was wrong about the 2 as Fargas was a 3rd round pick and possibly a 2nd if not for injury concerns and the fact that Graham was not even drafted. Now I have been wrong before plenty of times and so has the NFL but I dont think so in this instance.

What does this mean? Cedric Benson was drafted in the Top 5 overall, and Tom Brady wasn't drafted until the 6th round. Why are you making it sound like it's impossible for every team in the NFL to misjudge a player in the draft? That's the norm. It doesn't mean they're awful judges of talent, it just means it's an inexact science. Injury concerns are a part of the package with Fargas, and he's simply not as good of an all-around football player as Graham is. Is Graham fast than Fargas? No. Is he a better pure runner than Fargas? Maybe. Maybe not. But he IS a better football player than Fargas.

Given the same number of carries, I would put my money on Fargas. But thats just me.

 

[Phurfur]

From tampabay.com. I agree with the comparison to Fargas. Note how the writer questions whether Graham will get Fargas money. That is not the indicia of a bell cow back ...

We'll see how much money he gets. Fargas was a free agent, so he obviously had much more leverage than Graham has. But Graham is a better football player than Fargas, and the Bucs know it.I could see an argument being made that the Bucs will bring in another RB to split time with Graham, but that RB is not already on the roster.

Now I would think that longterm contract talks with Graham indicate that the Bucs do in fact see him as their bell cow RB . . . otherwise, why worry about sending money his way and tying him up in a longterm deal (when he's not even a free agent) if you planned on bringing in somebody just as good at a higher price? With Graham as the fulcrum, the Bucs offense worked better than it has in years. They have much bigger concerns than Earnest Graham, and they know it.

Not a Graham hater nor supporter but to say that he is a better back than Fargas would really indicate someone who is living in the moment. And also to say that you would be saying that every team in the NFL was wrong about the 2 as Fargas was a 3rd round pick and possibly a 2nd if not for injury concerns and the fact that Graham was not even drafted. Now I have been wrong before plenty of times and so has the NFL but I dont think so in this instance.

What does this mean? Cedric Benson was drafted in the Top 5 overall, and Tom Brady wasn't drafted until the 6th round. Why are you making it sound like it's impossible for every team in the NFL to misjudge a player in the draft? That's the norm. It doesn't mean they're awful judges of talent, it just means it's an inexact science.

Injury concerns are a part of the package with Fargas, and he's simply not as good of an all-around football player as Graham is. Is Graham fast than Fargas? No. Is he a better pure runner than Fargas? Maybe. Maybe not. But he IS a better football player than Fargas.

Exactly, put Ryan Grant in there too.

 

[Beaumont]

Injury concerns are a part of the package with Fargas, and he's simply not as good of an all-around football player as Graham is. Is Graham fast than Fargas? No. Is he a better pure runner than Fargas? Maybe. Maybe not. But he IS a better football player than Fargas.

There is literally no statistical support for this statement. And it is not borne out either: 1) By how the players have been historically used/treated in their careers; or 2) statistical results from the 2007 season. No one thought Graham was a better prospect coming out of college. I also seriously question whether there are really people in the NFL who believe that Graham is a better RB than Fargas right now. Fargas' 2007 stats almost equal Graham's career stats. The only stat clearly in favor of Graham is his newfound demonstration in 2007 that he has skills catching the ball out of the backfield.If TB busts the bank to keep Graham, showing a willingness to pay him bell cow money, than I will be flat wrong and will admit it. But I seriously suspect I am not wrong. I think TB wants to lock Graham up to a contract extension very similar to Fargas money, and maybe even lower ... but not higher. Again, not the indicia of a bell cow back.Graham:2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15 10 222 898 4.0 28T 10 49 324 6.6 21 0 1 12006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 0 11 59 5.4 17 0 1 4 4.0 4 0 -- --2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 0 28 83 3.0 16 0 0 0 -- 0 0 1 12004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 0 13 73 5.6 13 0 0 0 -- 0 0 -- --Fargas:2007 Oakland Raiders 14 7 222 1,009 4.5 48 4 23 188 8.2 17 0 3 12006 Oakland Raiders 16 6 178 659 3.7 48 1 13 91 7.0 21 0 1 02005 Oakland Raiders 14 0 5 28 5.6 15 0 1 9 9.0 9 0 -- --2004 Oakland Raiders 12 0 35 126 3.6 15 1 11 68 6.2 21 0 1 12003 Oakland Raiders 10 1 40 203 5.1 53 0 2 2 1.0 6 0 1 1

 

[Beaumont]

Injury concerns are a part of the package with Fargas, and he's simply not as good of an all-around football player as Graham is. Is Graham fast than Fargas? No. Is he a better pure runner than Fargas? Maybe. Maybe not. But he IS a better football player than Fargas.

There is literally no statistical support for this statement. And it is not borne out either: 1) By how the players have been historically used/treated in their careers; or 2) statistical results from the 2007 season. No one thought Graham was a better prospect coming out of college. I also seriously question whether there are really people in the NFL who believe that Graham is a better RB than Fargas right now. Fargas' 2007 stats almost equal Graham's career stats. The only stat clearly in favor of Graham is his newfound demonstration in 2007 that he has skills catching the ball out of the backfield.If TB busts the bank to keep Graham, showing a willingness to pay him bell cow money, than I will be flat wrong and will admit it. But I seriously suspect I am not wrong. I think TB wants to lock Graham up to a contract extension very similar to Fargas money, and maybe even lower ... but not higher. Again, not the indicia of a bell cow back.Graham:2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15 10 222 898 4.0 28T 10 49 324 6.6 21 0 1 12006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 0 11 59 5.4 17 0 1 4 4.0 4 0 -- --2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 0 28 83 3.0 16 0 0 0 -- 0 0 1 12004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9 0 13 73 5.6 13 0 0 0 -- 0 0 -- --Fargas:2007 Oakland Raiders 14 7 222 1,009 4.5 48 4 23 188 8.2 17 0 3 12006 Oakland Raiders 16 6 178 659 3.7 48 1 13 91 7.0 21 0 1 02005 Oakland Raiders 14 0 5 28 5.6 15 0 1 9 9.0 9 0 -- --2004 Oakland Raiders 12 0 35 126 3.6 15 1 11 68 6.2 21 0 1 12003 Oakland Raiders 10 1 40 203 5.1 53 0 2 2 1.0 6 0 1 1

A step towards resolving this debate ... from Rotoworld ...The Bucs are reportedly near agreement with Earnest Graham on a three-year, $10.5 million contract extension.It will be a true extension, meaning Graham will be signed through 2011. Graham doesn't have a big body of work as a ball carrier, but he probably could've aimed higher. Justin Fargas signed a three-year, $12 million extension in February and that's considered a below market deal now. Graham's payout will likely directly affect Ryan Grant's situation in Green Bay.Bucs signed RB Earnest Graham to a four-year, $11 million contract.This isn't the contract of a franchise back. Graham's yearly average is only slightly more than Warrick Dunn's and it may be backloaded. It's hard to bet against Graham being the Bucs' lead back this season after how well he played last year, but there are indications that Tampa may use a committee. This doesn't show a huge commitment from the Bucs.