Bennett is Tampa-bound

The Bucs addressed their running back situation by acquiring Michael Bennett in a trade with Kansas City late Monday night.

The Bucs gave up undisclosed picks in 2008 and 2009  based on performance criteria, according to the Chiefs website.

"It was a shock to me," the 29-year-old Bennett told the Kansas City Star. "It really caught me off-guard. I heard the speculation for the past few days, but nobody from the Chiefs said anything to me, so I guessed it wasn't going to happen. I was wrong. It's a business. It's just one of those that happen."

The Bucs had been linked to several other backs, including Minnesota's Mewelde Moore and Jacksonville's LaBrandon Toefield. They even failed in an attempt to lure former Patriots running back Corey Dillon out of retirement.

Bennett, whose contract expires at the end of this season, is slated to earn $1.2-million this season. With the Chiefs, he was used sparingly because of Larry Johnson's heavy workload. He became expendable because the Chiefs are in the process of trying to get veteran back Priest Holmes back into action after he spent the first six weeks on the non-football injury list. He is expected to practice with the Chiefs on Wednesday.

When healthy, Bennett could emerge as Tampa Bay's best option while Michael Pittman recovers from his ankle injury. Cadillac Williams is lost for the season after knee surgery. But Bennett has some injury history of his own with a foot injury that has limited him the past few seasons.

A former first-round pick from Wisconsin, Bennett has one 1,000-yard season in his past, rushing for 1,296 yards in 2002 as a member of the Vikings. At 5-9 and 207 pounds, he is regarded as a formidable receiver out of the backfield, a skill the Bucs are likely to utilize.

In limited action this season, Bennett was unable to do much to help ignite the Chiefs' running game. He has rushed 20 times for for 52 yards, an average of 2.6 yards per carry. He also has two fumbles, having lost one of those.

(Pictured: Michael Bennett runs against the Chicago Bears last month. AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

Comments

[Tom]

Wow! I hope this guy can pick up the offense soon because he is a burner. He was one of the fastest, if not the fastest man in the NFL several years ago. Not sure if he can be a long term solution. But Gruden has a great history of resurrecting football careers.

[Alex]

Wow, thanks tom. Finally a fan with some intelligence. Hopefully he resigns here anyway and offers some competition for Caddy. It might bring out the best in him. Plus, Pittman is a free agent too. Only issue I have with this move is they brought in an injury problem to solve an injury problems. Just playing devil's advocate, but I see much more good than harm.

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

Bennett has great hands out of the backfield and if he gets space he will be gone. The guy ran a 4.13 40 at his pro day and is one of the fastets men in the NFL.

His problem has been injuries in his career. I think that was becuase he was the feature back running up the middle and getting the ball a lot. I think he is a perfect change up and third down back for this team. If you run those tosses and throw to the flats to Bennett he will make defenses pay.

I like the move by the Bucs to get him in here. The guy seems determined to show people he can still play. He is fast and may even be able to return kicks also.

Nice move if its for a 6th or 7th round pick, but it hardly makes a statement that we want to take the Division by the throat.

[GruAllen Da Best]

A 4.13 40??? What is he lightning? That means he's only the third player in NFL history to run under 4.20 (Deion Sanders and Darrel Green). I very highly doubt he ran a 4.13 sorry. But yea, he's a burner and can come in here and have some serious oppurtunities to ressurect his career. Go Bucs!

[Maurice]

Finally some intelligent comments. Too many fair weather Bucs fans that don't know one thing about football. Anyway, Bennet should provide some spark with catching ability out of the backfield which Caddy has failed miserably but I do hope Caddy recovers fully and rejoin the team next year with more determination.

[Jim]

It's kinda funny that a guy that says, "Finally a fan with some intelligence" says something like "Hopefully he resigns here anyway and offers some competition for Caddy"
Caddy doesn't need competition at this point...silly thing to say. However I know this guy is fast and has experience.. pluses on both counts..here's to hoping..

[Jim]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kdC6vrUI2S4
Uh yeah he actually did run a 4.13 40 yarder... here's the proof

[Jim]

ahh sorry wrong vid... but if you google it. you'll find the truth.

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

GruAllen,

Go use Google and look you will find it. He actually has 4.13 tatooed on his legs

[Mark]

The NFL's Fastest Man?
Bennett was clocked running a 4.13 40 yard dash in his pro day workout at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This is actually one of the fastest 40-yd-dash times officially recorded. Sports Illustrated did an article on him and he has the numbers 4.13 tattooed on his calves.

[GruAllen Da Best]

Okay, so he ran a 4.13 40 at his "pro day"? That's not at the NFL's Scouting Combine. Everyone knows that "Pro Day" workouts are very suspect due to the players own coaches handling the clocks and such. If he ran a 4.13 40 at his "Pro Day" I would suspect that tranlates into more like a 4.25 which was padded down 4.13 to make him look better.

But if he felt it real enough to tatoo it on his leg (idiot) then so be it.

Nevertheless, I like this move because of two reasons. 1. His abilities 2. The price. I've always wondered what happened to this guy. He was a stud during his Pro Bowl year in '02. I just hope that his foot injury isn't recurring/problematic as some foot injury's can be. Also, it's nice to have some legitimate speed on offense besides JG. Go Bucs!

[Mike]

G. Adams vs. A. Pererson

I like the move. Bennett's speed should improve the running game and open up passing space. I think now we all wish the Bucs would have picked RB Adrian Peterson at #4 vs. Gaines Adams?

[Go Gaines!]

I'll take Gaines Adams....quit being a dumass. I'm sure Monte Kiffin agrees with you too. Damn you people are rediculas.

[Go Gaines!]

Insert ^ridiculas^

[IceIceBaby]

Bennett will be an upgrade, but he has a history of injuries that have kept him from realizing his potential. He had a game (2002?) against Seattle when he scored 5 TD's, all because he broke through the line and put on a burst that left the defense breathless. Don't expect him to be ready for the Lions game, but he could fit very well into this offense, especially those swing passes that gets our back into space and allows him to use speed and jukes to gain yardage. Good move, now lets see if it pays off

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

4.13 or 4.25, either way the man is fast and like you said it brings speed to this team. He has the explosion needed to get some big chunks. I think he is a nice fit in the west coast, where he can get those swing passes and use his speed to make things happen. The guy has great hands. This could be a great move for the Bucs.

[IceIceBaby]

Um, try ridiculous...or a dictionary...hard to take someone's opinion seriously when they can't correctly spell a word after two tries.

[Matt]

GruAllen,

You must be an attorney! Has anyone ever won an argument with you? Based on our current situation, any decent running back with proven experience will be a major help. Of course this is a good thing; we're dying here!

[PokesFan]

As a Kansas City native and chiefs diehard, Im sad to see Bennett leave. He is ready to explode if he gets a chance in TB. I look forward to seeing some Michael Bennet highlights on sportscenter soon, great pickup for the Bucs and it will not surprise me at all to see him be a feature back for the remaining portion of the season.

Its probably not fair to compare Gains to Adrian Peterson. Gaines still isn't in there a whole lot.

How about compare that #2 Draft Bust Reggie Bush and his 809 career rushing yards in 21 games (a crushing 38 yrds per game) compared to Peterson's 600 in 5 games ?

[IceIceBaby]

GruAllen sounds like the typical guy who has to argue every little point...hmmm...yup, attorney sounds about right, and if he isn't maybe he missed his calling.

4.13, 4.25...whats the point? The kid is F-A-S-T. Much faster than anyone else on our team, including Galloway. Stop splitting hairs or worrying about who held the stop watch...and for the record if I ran a 4.13 40 I'd tattoo it on my rear...not that anyone would be able to see it but at least I know thats what they would be looking at ;)

[Fred Augat]

bennett is super fast, is a reliable receiver, may fumble a bit, but could be a real threat on those tosses should he find a crease....interesting addition....glad to see the front office at work.....if gruden can resurrect this guy's career we may have found a gem.

[Ron]

This was a good pickup, even if Pittman was healthy. He'll be a nice complement to the backs we already have and he's cheap. I hope he has a monster second half and the Bucs sign him to a new contract.

[DR]

Who cares how fast he is. All he needs to do is find the hole and break a tackle and catch a ball, something Tampa's RBs can't do. Speed means nothing in the NFL, everyone's fast. If it did than this guy would be a prime RB in the NFL but he hasn't been. This is his chance and hopefully he takes advantage of it. History says he'll be on the DL in no time.

[frank costanza]

i like it.

[Dave T]

Tell Joey G speed doesn't matter.

[DR]

Tell James Jett that speed does matter.

[Tom]

Once Pittman comes back, this could be a very lethal combination on third and medium situations. You can draw play to either backs or you can put either one on LB in space and it will be a huge mismatch. Not many LBs can cover Pittman and Bennett on a route. Especially a wheel route.

I like the move. Although, it pains me everyday to see A. Peterson wearing a Vikings uniform when he could be wearing a Bucs uniform. Six teams passed on potentially a HOF type RB. This guy has been turning heads since he was in high school and six GMs had a brain fart on draft day.

[Tom]

When you say things like speed doesn't matter, you lose credibility DR. I know what you're getting at, but you make blanketed statements and sound absurd. Speed is not everything, I agree. But without it, you're in big trouble.

[Dave]

With Panthers' QB woes (Vinny - God bless him - is not the answer there; and Carr is no Garcia), Bucs have great shot at Division title. Bucs needed to build up the backfield options, and Bennet is a great addition if a deal is finalized.

[NMbucsfan]

why are you people still making comments about Caddy returning next year? I like the kid as much as anyone, but when are you people going to realize that he may never play again? Even if he does return, playing by the middle of next season would be nothing short of miraculous. Re-sign Bennett and Pittman!

[Clint]

Please pick up a pass rusher........DE or DT....Jason Taylor???? One could wish....

[genestallings]

Think the Bucs should have kept Thomas Jones, traded down and drafted linemen? We didn't need a Caddy. You've got to have a 4 wheel drive in the NFL. This ain't the SEC girls!!!

[k rock]

i like also, now he needs to learn the playbook and then start playing after the bye week

[Mitch]

The big thing about this trade is it's an upgrade without getting involved with a big, multi-year contract. He's done at the end of the year and the Bucs can go after Michael Turner as hard as possible and they saved their top draft picks for a Good QB or WR to groom behind Garcia or Galloway. Good pickup Bruce.

[Jeremy]

At least none of you badmouthed Gruden for once...wait, let's see how long it takes now.

Good pick up..period. Why?, well duh, because we didn't even have a full roster at RB last game. Predict, guesstimate, prognosticate, and spout out all your opinions...only one matters, and that's Gruden's. We had the fastest man alive trying out for the Bucs at one point, so speed while important, doesn't make a football player..Bennett will have to come in learn the plays and gel with the guys who have obviously developed some great chemistry this year. Bennett could be great, and he might never make it off the bench, but until he practices with Chucky no one will know. I love it by the way that everyone thought we'd manage to steal Michael Turner from the Chargers, because that's what we would have had to do, STEAL him.

[Go Gaines!]

A couple things.

1. Iceicebaby, notice I corrected the spelling of "ridiculas" before you could do it....pay attention fool.

2. DR, you're right for once, everyone in the NFL is fast but saying that speed doesn't mean anything is just about #486 on "The most idiotic things DR has said" list.

3. GeneStallings, know your facts before you post please. So for the 5,843rd time, the Bucs tried to keep Thomas Jones. We offered him what he was worth and were beat out by an over-compensated deal with Chicago. I'm sure we could've matched that offer but thanks to your boy (B)itch McKay, we didn't have enough cap to do so. Btw FYI, Thomas Jones still thanks Jon Gruden for getting his career back on track. Go figure that one.

[Alex]

Tom,
Maybe you never played sports. Let me break it down to you. When you have multiple players that are CAPABLE of playing at a high level, usually, each player steps up to try win the competition. I understand your allegiance to ignorance, but I was simply saying how after his contract is up(2007), MAYBE he could stay and offer some competition for the position and push Caddy when or if he returns or add depth...Did I go to fast for you Dee De-Dee? Put down the legos. Real fans are talking.

[npieper]

Hard to find much at the deadline, especially with the rest of the league knowing how desperate we are. Gotta be happy with this move.

[Alex]

Great move. Go Bucs!!

[Matt]

So far there hasn't been one knock on the trade. I'm very curious about what we're giving away, because this seems a little too good to be true.

Peter King is reporting on SI.com that it could involve a pick a lot higher than the Buc's wanted, with the Chiefs giving us a lower pick back with Bennett.

Is this still a good trade if we had to give up say a 2nd or 3rd rounder and get Bennett with a 6th rounder back or does it just leave a bad taste in the mouth even though it could fill a short term need.

[Ron]

Go Gaines,

I agree with you about Gaines. A good draft pick, but I must admit that when your spelling correction is stilled spelled incorrectly, that is just plain ridiculous.

[LynchMob]

Bring back John Lynch at tailback. Try tackling that.

[Skylar]

Now Joey will have someone to run windsprints with on Wednesdays. I can see an offensive package with Galloway wide-right and Bennett wide-left. Me likey what I see and so will Garcia. Great pick-up Bucs/Gruden/Allen. Go Bucs!!!

[James]

Now Way!!

John Lynch has fumbling problems! :)

[James]

4.13/4.25 = fastest RB we've ever had. This guy can come in here and be the #1 tommorow. Yes, learning the plays is a short-term problem but he's a RB. All he has to do is run to daylight and ask the QB where to be on passing plays. It's not that hard to contribute at RB people. Many rooks do it every year and this guy isn't a rook. He's a savvy veteran who knows how to use his very fresh and fast legs. Here's to a 100 yard game vs Detroit this Sunday. Go Bucs!

[Tampabaysportsfanatic]

Matt,

I think it all depends on how well Bennett performs. The pick is conditional from what I have heard, so the pick must get better if Bennett plays better or has so many carries. If he comes in and plays well than I think he is worth a third rounder.

[DR]

GoGaines,
Emmitt Smith, Terrell Davis, Deuce, James, and many many more don't have the speed of a Bennett but are much better RBs than Bennett. Bennett's "amazing" speed won't mean much if he can't find a hole. You gotta wonder why the Chiefs are willing to part with Bennett and depend on a back up who hasn't played in 2 years. With the peter king report, I think the Bucs got desperate and gave up a first day pick for a guy the Chiefs weren't planning on signing next year anyway.
I'm not saying speed doesn't mean crap, but you guys are putting too much emphasis on his speed. There's a reason he's been a back up his entire career.
Quit blaming Mckay for Jones departure. The Bucs should have cut Pittman and signed Jones. What has Pittman done for the Bucs the last few years? Jones doesn't get the respect he deserves for what he did for the Bears. He was the only good thing on that offense and kept that team going.

[Ron]

DR, Apparently, you can't read very well. From the Peter King report:

"Terms of the deal have been finalized with the Bucs sending the Chiefs a second-day draft pick and K.C. sending Tampa Bay a lesser pick along with Bennett."

We gave up a second-day pick for Bennett and a second-day pick. Probably swapped 4th for Bennett & a 7th.

Comparing Davis or Smith to Bennett is a lot like comparing apples to oranges or comparing you to someone with a brain.