Bucs Keep Michael Clayton
March 1, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Tampa Bay Buccaneers
National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Tampa Bay Bucs continued to cut into their massive amount of salary cap space today, keeping receiver Michael Clayton on the roster with a five-year, $24 million deal ($10.5 million is guaranteed money). Michael spent some time interviewing with the Lions and Vikings, but cancelled a trip to Seattle when he realized the weather in Tampa was really nice. Actually, the Bucs called him and told him not to get on any plane that wasn’t headed to Tampa. In other words, they gave him what he was looking for financially. Plus, the Bucs appear to have a good thing happening with new head coach Raheem Morris so why would Michael want to be anywhere else?
The signing means both Michael and fellow receiver Antonio Bryant will remain with the team in 2008 — which is a good thing considering both players were rather prominent in the Bucs’ passing attack last season. Antonio was, without question, the team’s top option (83 catches for 1,248 yards), but Michael managed 38 catches and was second on the team in yards per catch (12.7). Even with the addition of tight end Kellen Winslow, I believe Michael’s role in the Tampa Bay offense will be increased in 2009.
Source: Tampa Tribune, Photo: Newscom
