Now that Plaxico Burress is about to become a free man, he can return to his family, his friends, and the football field. Though, after so much time away from the game, how will he be viewed on the free agent market?
Let Plax’s agent remove any doubt surrounding the former Giants receiver.
Per ESPN, Drew Rosenhaus, the superstar agent who represents Burress (among many others), is supremely confident that his client will have no trouble finding a team this offseason.
“Many teams want him. He will be a top free agent. He is healthy and ready to go. He will be signed shortly after the lockout ends.”
Even though that statement is a slight over-exaggeration, there is a possibility Rosenhaus’ prediction rings true when the lockout is lifted.
Despite some boneheaded moves off the field, Plax is a Super Bowl champion and previously regarded as one of the best in the business. After all, he single-handily secured the Lombardi Trophy for the Giants in 2008. His size and dominating ability as a possession wideout made him among the league’s elite before he was sent to prison in 2009.
He may not be a number one receiver at this point, but it’s been reported that several teams are considering the nine-year vet. In recent weeks, Burress has been linked to the Eagles, who’d use him to complement their playmakers, DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. There’s also been some speculation the Jets might consider Burress as a stop-gap if they lose Braylon Edwards and/or Santonio Holmes in free agency.
Those are just two examples, but the interest is surely there.
On the other hand, Rosenhaus is known for drumming up significant chatter for any number of players over the years. With Edwards, Holmes, Sidney Rice, Vincent Jackson, Chad Ochocinco, and many others expected to be up for grabs, Burress will have plenty of competition if he’s to be a top free agent or acquisition.
There’s little doubt that Burress, who will be released from the Oneida Correctional Facility on Monday morning, will land a deal sometime before the season starts. His experience and talent won’t keep him unemployed for long. However, after three years in prison, organizations may be skeptical of a player that’s sure to be rusty and, in the wake of the lockout, could opt for someone who’s at the top of their game.
