Warrick Dunn might be on market soon

Falcons running back Warrick Dunn sounds like he isn't sure he'll be in Atlanta next season. If not, returning to Tampa wouldn't be so bad, he says.

In this story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dunn acknowledges the possibility that he could be cut considering the new coaching staff's desire to establish a power running game. Dunn wouldn't seem to fit into that plan given his small stature and shifty running style.

The possibility is real enough for Dunn to consider what his options might be if released.

"If I wasn't a Falcon and I went back to Tampa or played for coach (Tony) Dungy (in Indianapolis), it would be something that's full circle," he said. "It's not what I'm hoping for and wishing for, but you never know."

Wouldn't be something to see Dunn back in a Bucs uniform, back with the team that drafted him? A lot would have to happen before this could become even a possibility, but you have to think Dunn would strongly consider coming back to play in a city where he still ranks among the area's most beloved athletes.

Just something to chew on during this quiet part of the calendar.

Comments

[Mike]

Yeah... no thanks. Warrick is a great guy, and probably still has one more year in him. But it's obvious he's past his prime and I would rather the Bucs sign a guy with a little more tread left on the tires.

[joe]

Good man, but not a good fit here anymore. maybe 3rd string, but he's no E.G... W.D. dances more than the Caddy, and we dont need more of that here. we need a guy that hits the hole hard and clears a path. A Marion Barber kind of fella is who I would like to have in the backfield.

[Mike]

I agree. We are becoming a younger team as a whole. WD will forever be remembered in Tampa Bay but we need to move on.

[John S.]

I gotta disagree guys. Why not bring him in, as well as Marion Barber type, especially if we can get him at a reasonable price? Pittman and Bennett are both FA's, so we'll probably need at LEAST 2 guys. Dunn still has use as a 3rd down back, catching out of the backfield. And he would be a great influence on Graham, as well as any young back we'll more than likely end up drafting. Also, any new word on the Bucs coaching search, besides EB?

[Darren]

Don't be so fast. Warrick could fit within the Bucs' system. $4 mil is a little steep, but we could make something work.

Plus he is a great guy who didn't forget his days in Tampa. If the chicken hawks cut him and he wants to come here, give him the opportunity to prove himself in training camp.

[me]

Dunn is a great person and has done a lot for the poor mothers in the Atlanta area. But his playing days are over, he has been getting garbage numbers for the past two years. He needs to go to a team that already has 2 good backs. He would make a great change of pace/scat back for the Seahawks, Packers, Colts, or Pats.

Who are you people? Geez...Dunn can still be great in Gruden's offense. He could do alot with a little pass receiving, screen pass type back like Dunn. He could also use the PR! If would LOVE to see Dunn back here! The guy is also an ambassador in the NFL and could help restore the glory days here.

[Kyle]

I really doubt that Caddy will be ready next year. His injury was just too severe. I think the Bucs should make a RB one of their first day draft choices and bring in a veteran like Dunn for guidance. EG is going to be the main guy, (rightfully so) but Dunn could make some plays in relief, especially with fresh legs. You also can't ignore Dunn's leadership and high character qualities.

[ncdave]

I'm surprised how many people seem to be opposed to the possibility of a Dunn return. With Pittman and Bennett on the way out, it may be a good option. Imagine a Graham/Dunn combo in the backfield-it could be an effective changeup. Dunn is extremely versatile, and could fit in very nicely into a Gruden offensive game plan-think screen plays, pass plays, and change of tempo running plays. I still think that it would be wise to draft a running back, but Dunn could work well in this offense.

[da stampede]

i think, withh all the things dunn has done for tampa bay, we owe him a good contract. i say sign him if we could

[Kevin]

If he can be had cheap enough, and if he's used as a situational back who can tolerate about 5 touches a game, then why not?

If he's expecting to compete for the starting job or expecting 15-20 touches a game...well...I'm sure Joseph Addai won't be able to do anything about it in Indy when Tony goes ahead and gives him those carries.

[dave]

A great person who does much for people. Just not a good fit.....we've got Earnest. However, WD might be a great mentor for Graham?? Just a thought.

[dave]

A great person who does much for people. Just not a good fit.....we've got Earnest. However, WD might be a great mentor for Graham?? Just a thought.

[jay]

yes, but a the league minimum!!

[Julian]

To all of the people saying we have Earnest so we shouldn't get Dunn are clueless. I mean have you even watched the NFL lately let alone the Bucs. With all the injuries that go on I think he would be a great addition as long as his price isn't to high. As stated he would be a great change of pace/3rd down back and a solid insurance policy if anyone got injured. Let Pittman and Bennett go and sign Dunn!

[Nate]

Gruden lamented from Day 1 that he didn't have WD. I'd like to see what he had in his playbook for a back like that.

[db]

Everybody is entitled to their opinions, so here is mine. I say Warrick would be a good replacement for Mike Alstott. I just want to be proud and feel good about my home town team win or lose. Warrick would provide that and lighten the loss of the A-Train's retirement for the long time fans. If Dunn still has gas in the tank, all the better. Remember the look on his face when he scored the winning touchdown against the Rams in that Monday Night Classic win in 2000? Memories like that last forever for a true Bucs fan.

[John S.]

I understand all the love EG is getting, but how quick we forget he was 3rd string, and the only way he got a chance was due to injuries to Caddy and Pitt. With that in mind, you HAVE to have quality depth if you're going to be able to overcome injuries and keep a solid running attack. Caddy's was a freak injury, but it could happen to anyone, any game. EG, Dunn, along with maybe a Felix Jones, Ray Rice or Mike Hart would make an interesting backfield. Do miss the A-Train running over guys though.

Hmm, a still productive Dunn isn't wanted yet when a broken down Charlie Garner was brought in, you could've gone deaf from all the loud butt kissing of You Know Who, since he was one of His guys.

[Jack Karako]

Cadillac will likely miss half the season or more recovering from a serious knee injury; Michael Bennett won't be coming back; why not bring back Warrick Dunn and see how Gruden can use him to mix things up in the back field. Don't forget Dunn is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield.

[Stephen_Holder]

A little surprised at the disparity of the comments here. Love him or hate him it seems. Couple things to remember: IF Warrick is cut, his $4-million no longer is a factor. He'd be a free agent and probably won't fetch that much anywhere. So, he'll come at a much lower price. Secondly, a scatback, versatile type of runner would seem useful in Gruden's offense, particularly on third down. That's where I suspect the Bucs would have interest in using Dunn. Of course, this is all VERY hypothetical, so maybe I'm jumping the gun even throwing this out there. But it certainly got you guys talking, which isn't a bad thing.

Cheers

[Tom]

Gruden tried his hardest to keep Dunn here before he left for Atlanta. Warrick is a perfect fit for Gruden's offense. He may be a little long in the tooth but something about this kid makes you believe that he's still has fight in him. Let's not give up the farm for him, but having him on this roster can only help this team.

That said, EG deserves to go into next season as the unquestioned starter.

[Jay]

I for one have always been impressed with Warrick, one for his versatility, but two for his ability to avoid the big hits, and thus prolonging his career. If you look at a MJD or even Marion the Barbarian in Dallas, the smaller backs squirt through the holes fast and are into the secondary for big gains more often than the Brandon Jacobs types who just try and plow through. That sets up play action, and gives your QB more time in the pocket, and more throwing lanes because the defense is cheating up to the line trying to play the run.

I think Warrick Dunn would be an excellent contribution to this team, because he knows the WCO and doesn't not have a huge ego. And mostly, because the minute he puts back on the #28 in Pewter and Red, he will be an instant hero to us die hard fans.

[Lisa]

Warrick helps single PARENTS, not just moms and he STILL does it in the Tampa Bay area, Atlanta, Baton Rouge and Atlanta. Show me that kind of record anywhere else in the NFL...a decade of service on and off the field. Wherever he plays, the community is a better place.

[bucs fan 4 life]

I think bring back Dunn would be a good thing. If the price is right why not. Pitman is mostly likely gone and I'm pretty sure that KC will bring Bennett back because they were regreting the trade when Holmes retired and Johonson got hurt. They were down to essentially their 4th string back and we were only a hit away from the same thing. Besides I'd take a proven vet over an unproven rookie. Dunn could be a change of pace back and then we could draft a RB in the 3rd or later to groom into his replacement. Or as a complimentary back to Graham. Besides if he doesn't work out we can always cut him and it won't handicap us. We've got the cap room let's not be afraid to use it.

[aaron]

With bennett and pittman both set to become free agents and Graham at the top of the depth chart, i think it would be a great idea. as of right now our depth chart looks like this: 1. Earnest Graham. 2. nobody 3. nobody.
i say we need to draft a RB, like Yvenson Bernard in the 5th-7th round. Bernard fits the bill to a tee, for the kind of running back gruden desires. bernard can run, he was a workhorse at Oregon State. 2nd all time rushing yards, just ahead of steven jackson. and he can catch the ball. he never caught fewer than 36 balls as a starter. And he can block!!!! he is not afraid to take on a linebacker blitzing or help on a TE. this is why he was an every down back at OSU. Run, Catch, Block. the only knock on him is that he is 5'9". but 205lbs. and he is one tough guy. the shortness of a player especially at running back doesnt matter that much anymore, look at Jones-Drew and for that matter Earnest Graham. he can be had later in the draft because of more high profile names like mendenhall, mcfadden, mike hart, ray rice, steve slaton and so on. but we can use our earlier picks on more pressing needs i.e. DL, CB. and pick him up later.
also of note the scouting staff is well aware of him. they scouted and picked 2nd rd pick sabby piscatelli from OSU last year. they played highschool ball (Boca Raton) and college ball together, and i hope the pros now too.
and dunn can help mentor Graham and bernard. that would be a great back field...1. Graham 2. Dunn 3. Yvenson Bernard. by the way he returns punts/kickoffs also...

[Brandon]

Warrick is not shot,he still has plenty left in him, especially if he is not the featured guy. But what he can really do for us is be our own (and better) version of Reggie Bush. Split out wide, get 5-7 carries a game, 5-7 balls thrown his way a game, he still has his speed and he has always been able to catch the ball.

Who in their right mind thinks that WD isn't a good fit? A RB that can catch the ball well isn't a good fit? Sounds like a bunch of Carnell Williams fans.

Anyways, he would be a nice complement to EG's hard charging style, with his ability to use his speed to cutback and find holes. For the right price, bring him in. Forget his contributions to the community, this guy can still play

[Dwayne]

I say if were gonna let go of pittman and bennet why not grab dunn if gruden can give him special screen plays because we rarely run screens or just pass plays out the backfield, hes still a good back in the league, if he comes back ill still cheere for him but he wont be wearing that #28 that belongs to T jack now and he wore that number in college so i doubt he will give the number up.

[Michael Singleton]

Dunn thanks but no thanks! Like everyone has said get somebody with more tread on the tires. What about Julius Jones. I think that he would be perfect in the Gruden System. Take that wasted money you would spend on Dunn and put it into a better back. Also Dunn is a Jerk when it comes down to getting an autograph for your collection. He does great things in the community that I salute him for but he doesn't have to be a Jerk about signing one autograph when nobody is around. Happened to me more than once when he was a Buc at home and on the road in Cleveland.

[Michael]

I think it would be great if the Bucs got Dunn back, IF AND ONLY IF he still has gas left in the tank. On a seprate note, I think it is important to point out to the people who say that EG should be the "UNQUESTIONED STARTER", last time the Bucs did that, Chris Simms got the starting job, and started the year throwing 1 touchdown and 7 interceptions. Then people jumped all over Jon Gruden for not giving Simms any competition. If EG is the "UNQUESTIONED STARTER", while I have faith in him, DONT JUMP ALL OVER GRUDEN IF IT DOSNT WORK!!!!

[George L Hicks]

Hello Fans,
I've been recovering from automobile accidents. But I think Dunn coming back would be great espically if we go after that big fast wr or OL or DB. I still have Dunn no.28 jersey. I still think it
was that former GM McKay not being honest with Coach. Dunn would be a great duo with Dunn and Graham, Or Dunn and Williams, or how about keeping all 3 rb's. Go Bucs glh

[Skylar]

I agree with Aaron 100%. RB's are a dime a dozen compared to linemen. Let's stick to getting quality line depth early in the draft and skill positions through FA and later in the draft. Speaking of Bernard's numbers: wasn't Barry Sanders 5'9", 205lbs also? He'll do good to be half the runner, but in the 5th round, he's worth the look.

[Art]

I disagree with all the Dunn lovers, or those who think he's some great guy. The Bucs tried very hard to retain him before he bolted for Atlanta. He's a mercenary without any loyalty. He's a Benedict Arnold to me. By all means, I'd love to see him play ANYWHERE but here.

[olehippy13]

I think yawl would be lucky to have Warrick Dunn back on your squad. I think Atlanta is foolish for cutting him. Warrick is a great dude, and player....thumbs up to Mr Dunn.

Olehippy13
former vietnam medic
lifelong falcon fan
former tampa resident