Contract doesn't bode well for Graham
Earnest Graham isn't a franchise back. That's what the Bucs think anyway, and they proved it by agreeing to a four-year $11 million contract this week. Okay, so Graham didn't have a lot of leverage. But he skipped voluntary work for that?
That is a backup's contract, and it will be very interesting to see how much guaranteed money is in the deal and how much money is included in the first two years. That doesn't mean Graham will be a backup to start the year, but it supports my theory that Jon Gruden isn't comfortable with Graham playing every down.
I love Graham's style of play, but I think Gruden is going to give Michael Bennett and especially Warrick Dunn more work than people expect. If I drafted Graham, it would be with the hope that Bennett and Dunn prove to be inferior options and lose favor. That's quite possible based on their play last season.
Comments
Accepting this contract and getting into camp is the smartest thing Graham could have done. I've watched every Buc's game for a long time and Graham has always been a guy I pull for, but never had the talent to get on the field. Now that the Bucs have one of the better olines in the league, an average player like him can produce.
I know for a fact that Gruden likes Dunn and will use him liberally as long as his body holds up. The Bucs also traded a pick for Bennett while Caddy was still healthy, so they will have a role for him to.
The good news for Graham is that the Bucs passing offense is weak and their defense is strong. I can see Gruden running 35 times a game, which would probably mean 275 carries for Graham on the season. Throw in some receptions and goal line carries and you have a solid #2 RB.
Posted by: Tampa FANtasy | July 1, 2008 01:48 PM
Great point Gregg. The contract, combined with Gruden's comments about how valuable W.Dunn is, are very telling.
Posted by: Gluey | July 8, 2008 10:49 AM
Lt4CUs
Posted by: Yrzxgeaw | July 15, 2009 06:16 AM
Lt4CUs
Posted by: Yrzxgeaw | July 15, 2009 06:17 AM