The benefits of Burress

Having served a twenty-month jail sentence after pleading guilty to weapons charges, Super bowl winning wide receiver Plaxico Burress is hoping for a second chance in NFL through this year’s free agency.

Recent speculation has produced numerous suitors for the ex-Giant receiver, and most recently he has been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles, an outcome that doesn’t seem so farfetched to most critics.

The Eagles have recently helped reform Michael Vick into a leader that people place their faith in. Vick has also had a troubled past with a prison sentence but has seemingly put his past behind him. Would Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg relish the opportunity to mould Burress into a superstar again?

Philly already have deep routes covered by DeSean Jackson, and Jeremy Maclin has proven that he is a premium go-to guy but the Eagles could use some assistance converting short third downs. Last season the Eagles relied heavily on Vick’s running game to get those crucial downs, but this method also puts the quarterback hugely at risk of injury.

At the end of last season the Eagles made a swoop for Sinorice Moss, brother of Washington Redskins Santana Moss. Moss had previously been picked up by the New York Giants but due to injuries his time at the Meadowlands was hardly a memorable one. Also added to the receiver equation is tightend Brent Celek and fullback Leonard Weaver, both who were used extensively in McNabb’s last season with Philadelphia. Adaptations to the offence could easily see them playing more roles again in short gains.

So could Burress also feature? It’s a tough choice. Vick would be the ideal mentor for an already reliable receiver who can produce big yards after the catch is made. Will Burress have the same tenacity and attitude to win? Only time will tell.