Dunn is released by Falcons. Will he join Bucs?

Warrick Dunn has officially been released by the Atlanta Falcons.

The move was anticipated after the signing of Chargers free agent running back Michael Turner.

Dunn, 33, will have several teams interested in his services -- the Bucs, Broncos, Texans, Cowboys and Colts, to name a few.

""Bucs do have an interest,'' agent Jim Steiner said. ""We'll see how it unfolds.''

Let the bidding begin. Dunn made an appearance at the Mike Alstott retirement party Saturday night which was also attended by Bucs coach Jon Gruden and Colts coach Tony Dungy.

Gruden always has believed Dunn would be a good fit in his offense. He could provide a game-breaking threat to compliment Earnest Graham. But he may be looking for the zone blocking scheme he thrived in with the Falcons before Bobby Petrino took over last season.

Now it will get interesting.

[Brian Cassella, Times]

Comments

[Justin M]

If the Bucs are eyeing up a RB in the draft there is absolutely no reason to sign Dunn who is 33 years old. Gruden liked Dunn and his game breaking ability in 2002. That was six years ago. The RB draft class is full of speed, something that Dunn has lost.

[Marc McAffee]

A college running backs talents always translate well when they enter the NFL.

You always get what you expect. Right!!!!!!

Like:
Cadillac Williams
Ronnie Brown
Rashaam Salaam

A proven back like Warrick is golden! Think it though!

[John Klopfer]

33 years old? For a small back that is old. For any back that is old. How old was Charlie Garner? I am a big Warrick Dunn fan. He may be do great on a retro-trip...but he may not. I believe it is too much of a risk, until he comes really cheap! I would rather bring back the 34 year old Mike Pittman...I beleive that he would be a bit more durable!

[Jay]

Are you kidding me John? Pittman? Don't let the big guns fool you, he's a TERRIBLE running back. In fact, he's known for epitomizing the very name of the position, as he is constantly running up the backs of his offensive line, falling down from a phantom tackle, and gaining 2 yards. He's fast and can catch, but that would be fine if he was a WR, not a RB. As for durability, Pittman doesn't even come close to Dunn for productivity or longevity.

Dunn has proven his durability for the position, and avoids the big hits. His average YPC last year was 3.2, not to mention his soft hands and blocking ability (ask Julius Peppers). How much of a risk is he when you have Graham and Bennett on the field with him? So he's not an every down kind of RB - that's nothing new, he never has been. But if you want talented depth, Warrick Dunn is by far the best RB available, and for a lot less than Julius Jones or any of the other free agent prospects out there.

[Justin M]

Forget Dunn. We are going to draft a RB. Dunn is on his last legs, and would be good for one year in a minimal role.
Who would you rather have? A 33 yr old Dunn on the verge of retirement or a 22 or 23 year old rookie like Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles who have speed and years ahead of them. Not to mention they will cost less than Dunn.

[Sky]

I SAY SIGN UP WARRICK DUNN...GET'EM DUNN!!!! I think we need his character, leadership, and athleticism to help lead us to the next level, plus...I think he's hungry for a run at the Super Bowl...don't think he doesn't have enough left in the tank!!!

[Dave C]

Come on home, Warrick. Hey Bucs: GIT R DUNN!!!

[George Hicks]

Are You kidding Me. I still have RB #28 Jersey in the closet. I still think he can still go, Espically With the new center and new offensive line personnel that has come on in the last two years. If Graham had a year like he had. Can You Imagine what Dunn can Do. Give him the money so he can retired with the bucs, not Ind,Hou,Dallas. Why not Tampa Bay.

[Winston]

Get it DUNN!! He is a leader, just like Alstott. Even if he never plays a down, he is a big plus to the Bucs.

Imagine a defense facing Graham's strength, Bennet's speed, and Dunn's ability to block or catch a pass or do any of the three.

I say bring Dilfer back while you're at it...

Heck, put Doug Williams back in uniform too.

[David]

I think the signing of Dunn would be a smart move for one big reason: Cadillac Williams. If the Bucs still have faith that after his rehab he can return to form and be a consistent threat for 1000+ yards and 8+ TDs, then they can afford to let him take it easy on his rehab trail by solidifying their backfield for 2008 through signing Dunn. This way, we can use draft picks elsewhere if need be (though drafting another burner is never a bad decision, especially for this offense).

Personally, I would feel very secure with Graham as the workhorse next year and Dunn getting 10-15 touches in 3rd down/long yardage situations. At this point in Dunn's career, that makes the most sense for him anyway, and Graham proved last year he is a reliable threat. A burner at receiver (DeSean Jackson or Malcolm Kelly? Chad Johnson or Roy Williams?) is a bigger concern, and signing Dunn would let us focus on filling that greater need for our offense.

[gnegnegne]

It would be neat to have Dunn back, but I do agree...his age is a factor. But, look at how much we spend on these stars....and either during pre-season or the first 2 games they are hurt!!! Has Dunn been hurt and on IR for years??? I think not...
What a role model he is!!! We need that here!!!

[Jim Mora]

Playoffs? Are you kidding me? Don't talk about... playoffs?

[Seneca]

Isn't it fitting that Dunn should come home? What a stand up guy who even at 33, still has a lot left in the tank. Remember that Dunn has always shared the ball and never been the featured back so he still has plenty left in those legs. Signing Dunn lets Williams heal (hopefully) and lets Bucs focus on ther areas i.e WR. In a perfect world the Bucs would trade for Larry Fitzgerald, but he may either cost too much or the Cardinals would want too much. Look for the Bucs to draft a WR (see David's post) which says sit all.

[huh?]

draft a WR... yeah right. Look at how well we've done there (Clayton, Stovall)...

[The Man]

cool, maybe we can get Favre too.

[Hillary Clinton]

Who do you want answering the phone when you call the white house at 3am?

[Barack Obama]

Not you, thats for sure.