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.

Comments

[Mike]

Sorry guys but I like Pittman WAY more than Bennett. First of all, Pittman is a hell of a lot better at pass protection than Bennett. And I think that his attitude is better. Last year Pittman went on record saying that he wanted to play on special teams to help the team out. He also pulled Graham in to replace him for a TD just to be a team player. He has been a backup to Cadillac for three years now and never complained. Bennett started whining about playing time about a month after getting here. I know he is getting older but his leadership carries a long way. I hope we get him back!

[aaron]

i agree with you mike.

[Oliver]

Although Pittman has been an excellent Buccaneer during his time here, he isn't going to score TD's like Bennett can/will. As great a guy as Mike Pittman has been, he wants to play somewhere that he can just be a first and second down back, pound the rock a bit. Best of luck to him, but Bennett is a guy that can make things happen.

[Andrew]

I see Bennett as a Charlie Garner type in Gruden's offense - a great 3rd down option.

[JOhn]

Thank God we lock this guy up! We're really gonna' need him for BOTH of those carries he'll get next year! Just like it was so great last year to have him touch the ball about 3 times in what, 10 games...Please!

[Jeff]

You heard it here first...
Running back is now done. The way Allen runs things. One position at a time. They will not draft a running back nor will they obtain one in free agency. They will be satisfied with Graham and Bennett. No more depth. But we will get 12 tight ends.

[Vince]

John -- Bennett did not play much because he could not pick up the offense on such short notice. In Gruden's offense, a running play quickly becomes a passing play so the running back has to know everything -- pass route, option route and blitz pick up.

Bennett will be a good weapon after a full offseason. Does anyone remember the "rail route" called for him in his first or second game? It went incomplete, but Bennett ran to the flat, was picked up by a linebacker, then turned up field leaving the backer in his dust. This is how Bennet will be used next year.

Tough to lose Pittman who is a great teammate and great at the "joker" position, but age is an issue.

[Kevin]

Alge Crumpler just got cut.

Hope the bucs make a play for him.

[mkurbo]

I agree with Vince completely.

He did not have enough time to get up to speed on the offense, plus Graham came on very well which changed the situation.

What I want to know is after all the attempts by local media to instigate with Bennett on not getting enough playing time, and how he was treated by Gruden, etc., and now that he had a chance to leave via free agency –

- isn’t interesting he signed quickly !!! Gee, it must not be so bad playing here for Gruden/Allen after all…

[John P]

Nice to see Bennett returning next year. I think he's going to be more than an insurance policy with Cadillac still recuperating - I think they've started to plan on Williams not being there in 2008. Can Bennett handle some of Williams role in the offense? Yes, he can - and he will.

How they work Bennett and Graham together will be intriguing. Bennett, when at full speed is an every down threat. Graham is now known to be able to wear down a defense, and gets stronger as the game goes on. It could be the same kind of backfield as Dunn-Alstott during the Dungy years, which would be interesting with Gruden running it.