Bucs shopping Clayton? You bet. And others.

    Don't be surprised by the report on the NFL Network that the Bucs are shopping receiver Michael Clayton.

   It's the time of year when those discussions are held throughout the league. As the Saturday deadline nears for teams to trim their roster to 53 players, the Bucs have a glut of receivers they like so they're looking for value.

   The player with the most value might be Clayton, a first round pick in 2004 who led all rookies with 80 catches 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns. But he has fallen from grace, combining for just 65 catches and one TD over the last two seasons.

   Clayton has fallen behind Joey Galloway, Maurice Stovall, David Boston and Ike Hilliard on the depth chart. Mark Jones, another receiver, is likely to make the club as a kick returner.

   That means one of these receivers won't be active on game day. So who doesn't dress? And we haven't even mentioned Paris Warren, one of the most productive receivers in the preseason.

   A big factor when it comes to the final cuts will be the health of the team. Already, the Bucs have several injuries on the offensive line, including starters Arron Sears and Jeremy Trueblood.

   Both are expected back in time to play against Seattle Sept. 9. But the Bucs might be forced to carry an extra lineman for a few weeks. The same is true at the tight end position, where Alex Smith is hobbled with an ankle sprain.

   The reason it will be tough to deal Clayton is that the Bucs won't be looking to give him away. They will want value in terms of a high to mid-round draft pick. And, of course, the team has denied the report that Clayton is on the block. That's standard procedure.

   Clayton won't be the only player the Bucs will try to deal. Even though he is not 100 percent, Chris Simms might have some value and they might consider keeping him for a week or so to see if another team will nibble. There also are large numbers in the secondary and defensive line.

   The trade winds will be blowing at least until next week, when the focus will be on beating Seattle.

   

   

   

Comments

[Clint]

Sign Trotter for the run defence. I'm sure Monte could fit him in.

[Mie]

I think they should trade Gradkowski before he shaves points in this up coming preseason game. Maybe thats why he missed so many open receivers last year??? hmmm makes you wonder....

[Peter Tosh]

Trade Clayton and Simms and get what we can now. Try to pick up another pass rusher or middle linebacker. Trotter would be nice but won't work if he can't cover downfield. Got to get value though or Clayton is a waisted 1st round pick.

[Pete]

Anyone else see the ESPN.com story about the Toledo points-shaving ring and Gradkowski? Hope that doesn't somehow turn into some big investigation that affects his status with the club.

[Joe]

What can they get for Clayton, some stale potato chips? He's useless. He'll be cut for nothing and probably signed by a division rival, then have a miraculous re-birth.

[Snook]

Its a shame what this paper now reports as news. Clayton and Simms as trade bait? What team would trade for players rumored to be cut anyways? Duh...

[Tom]

Think we could get anything for Gruden?

gruden is the best coach weve ever had so stop being stupid.

[George L Hicks]

Well here comes the rumor mill prior to finale 22 players to be cut. Clayton & Simms are mention! Have you seen lately where did Simeon Rice sign with- no one yet because everyone is worried about how heathly is he. I think Gaines is a winner. When he finds the ins and the outs of the bad nfl line, He will be called the second coming of another Lee Roy Selmon. If Gradkowski rumors are true, The we need to keep Simms and cut that young QB. Wasn't there another QB from Ohio St did point shaving also.I would say that the best 53 will make the team period. Go Bucs

[DR]

Comparing a rookie to Lee Roy Selmon? You're a Bucs fan and disrespecting Selmon in that manner! Let the kid play a couple of years before starting any comparison. Read up on the Gradkowski issue, there really isn't any evidence against him. They're trying to say he faked injuries to NOT play, there is no way they can prove that.
You might be able to trade Gruden for the Burger King drive-thru guy.

[IND]

Sign Trotter, he coming off a pro bowl season. Even if he's a step slow it's an upgrade

[a76]

i like that one DR about gruden & the burger king drive thru guy! excellent. i really think the team will be better off w/out gruden/allen. i cant wait.