Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pursue Martellus Bennett This Offseason?

[michael89156]

Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pursue Martellus Bennett This Offseason?

Dec 31st, 2012 at 12:53 pm

 by Leo Howell

 








 
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers certainly improved on offense this season, there are still holes to be filled on that side of the ball. The lack of any dynamic playmakers at the tight end position was certainly evident, as Dallas Clark provided a steady pair of hands to throw to, and little else. Players like Erik Lorig and Luke Stocker will be able to hold their own in the run and pass blocking aspects of the offense, but offer no playmaking ability whatsoever.
 
If only there was a strong, tall, juggernaut of a tight end available this offseason, and if we could be so lucky as to find such a player who was the brother of a player on defense we’d love to keep around.
 
I’ll let Tom Krasniqi of 620 WDAE let you in on what I’m getting at here:
 
Tom Krasniqi@TKras
#Bucs DE Michael Bennett says he would like to play with his brother, TE Martellus Bennett, who's also a free agent
 31 Dec 12
 

The Buccaneers would certainly do well to keep Michael Bennett, who has been a solid performer this season and could contribute in multiple positions on the defensive line next season. He posted a solid season in 2012 despite battling nagging injuries, and will hit the open market as a free agent going into 2013. As T-Kras mentioned in his tweet, he is the brother of Giants tight end Martellus Bennett, and the pair would like to play for the same team. So it would fill two needs for the Buccaneers to open the checkbooks and sign the Bennett Brothers.
 

Bringing Michael back would provide a solid, reliable option on the defensive line. Michael is capable of playing both outside as a traditional end, and inside as a tackle in certain situations. He is coming off of his best year as a pro, and the former undrafted rookie from Texas A&M certainly still has room to grow. If he’s willing to take an amount that is reasonable for a rotation defensive end, the Buccaneers would be foolish to let him go.
 
Bringing in Martellus might provide incentive and leverage for signing Michael, as well. Martellus would fill a need, as he is a capable blocker and a massive target in red zone situations. He will never be mistaken for Jimmy Graham or Antonio Gates in his prime, but he has enough speed to combine with his massive frame. Better yet, he knows how to use his size to his advantage in red zone situations.  The former Cowboy and current member of the Giants has never posted amazing numbers, but was in the shadows of Jason Witten in Dallas, and Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and the stable of running backs in New York. His ability to block and the opportunities his size and athleticism provides in the passing game will allow the Buccaneers to keep him on the field more often, and he could provide a third or fourth option for Josh Freeman on any passing play. At only 25 years old, Martellus still has room to grow, and I honestly believe he is capable of being a top 5 NFL tight end. Plus, at 6 feet, 6 inches tall, he is capable of catching the average Josh Freeman pass, which tends to be a bit on the high side.
 
Money is obviously a key to either deal getting done. I don’t believe either player is worthy of being paid as one of the top players at their positions, and if that is what the players expect, then let them both go to the Redskins, Cowboys, or some other team willing to overspend. If both players are willing to accept reasonable deals, and come play together in Tampa Bay, I think it would benefit both sides of the ball to have the Brothers Bennett at One Buc Place.
 



You can follow Leo Howell on Twitter and  you can also ’Like’ us on our new Facebook page.
 
Follow @ThePewterPlank for the latest Buccaneers news.

[GameTime]

easy to say let a guy walk...but FA's cost money. pay both imo.  we got cash and we need help at both spots.

[Bucs_Rule]

I hope do the Bucs go after him. I think he could be a big weapon in this offense with Jackson and Williams on the outside and Martin in the backfield.

[The Anti-Java]

I hope do the Bucs go after him. I think he could be a big weapon in this offense with Jackson and Williams on the outside and Martin in the backfield.

Agree....Let Clark walk, and sign Martelius.

[Dolorous Jason]

Martellus can't catch.

[BucDaFackUp]

Martellus can't catch.

Agreed....he has shown signs of improvement this year but has been notorious for dropping even simple passes. I'm not sure I care for his attention-seeking antics either after going thru a year with @EWrighteous21 but perhaps Martellus has matured...guess we'll know soon enough.

Hey....maybe they should sign him to a 5,555,555.55/yr contract?

[Rusty]

Pass

[GameTime]

i think it makes too much sense.  he comes from a similar offense, he's a great blocker, and we dont utilize a jimmy graham type with our current O.  he wont break the bank and he will help sign his brother, who we should re-sign. 

[Bschucher]

55 for 626 is not bad with Nicks and Cruz at WR. Dallas Clark has had only 3 seasons more than that in 10 years and one of those was 58 receptions.

[Kjun85]

Honestly I would like Clark back. He has shown that he can be relied on to catch passes when thrown to.

[warrenfb12]

I'd rather see us draft one of the big kids early this year.

[Ft Myers Buc Fan]

I would prefer signing Dustin Keller. I dont see Martellus leaving NY.  Micheal Bennett wants to play with his brother but money talks and we have lots to spend

[NotDeadYet]

    I'd be surprised if we threw much dinero at Martellus. For the right price, yeah, he would be a good addition though...

[Psych]

I'd rather see us draft one of the big kids early this year.

Early? No thank you.
If we could get Martellus cheap then I'm all for it, but I still want Clark and a late round pick in the draft.

[The Anti-Java]

I'd rather see us draft one of the big kids early this year.

Early? No thank you.
If we could get Martellus cheap then I'm all for it, but I still want Clark and a late round pick in the draft.

Clark looked slower than hell out there.  I don't think he is back.  And if they signed Martelious, that would be the end of the road for Clark.  They probably keep Stocker, made a couple plays.