Plaxico Burress: Release Is Only Relevant Because of the NFL Lockout

The Philadelphia Phillies hat that sat atop his head will have put a smile on many Eagles fans' faces today as a former NFC East foe walked free from a New York prison. Plaxico Burress told the assembled media today that it was a "beautiful day" during a brief talk with reporters.

Of course it is a beautiful day for a man leaving behind him two years of confinement. However why should it be for the NFL?

Why is Plaxico Burress leaving prison a significant event? Burress is a 33—soon to be 34—year old receiver who hasn't caught a ball since the 16th of November, 2008. The only reason anyone has even noticed that he was freed today, after accidentally shooting himself in the leg two years ago, is because of the NFL lockout.

I'm sure you're going to read plenty of articles that tell you why Burress would be a great fit with teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles or Chicago Bears. Those articles may make some reasonable points but in reality Burress will be lucky to even get a roster spot with the Washington Redskins.

The former Michigan State standout came into the league in 2000. He played five seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler after they selected him eighth overall in the draft. He was allowed to leave via free agency in 2005 as he looked for a passing offense. That offense belonged to the New York Giants.

The rest in a sense is history as he caught a massive touchdown catch in the Giants 2007 Super Bowl victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots...or is it?

Burress tallied a total of two receptions and 27 yards in that game. In fact statistically Burress has never been better than a good receiver. He was never the best at the position. He was never elite. He never made an all-pro team. He didn't even manage to make it to a Pro Bowl and those tickets are handed out like bread in a restaurant.

He simply isn't that good and never has been.

The mirage that surrounds the former Super Bowl champion hinges simply on his touchdown reception in the Super Bowl. In fact his best game of the playoffs that year was actually in the NFC Championship game against the New York Giants when he totaled 11 receptions for 151 yards. He didn't go over 40 yards receiving in any other game and had zero touchdowns outside of the Super Bowl one.

The statistics don't support Burress in the regular season either.

His highest total receiving came in 2002 as he covered 1,325 yards. Eight years ago, he was 25 and in his prime. He only eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving four times during his nine year career and only completed 16 full games three times. 

Most people who believe that Burress still has something to offer teams will point to the fact that his height makes him a touchdown threat. His high for touchdowns came in 2007 when he finished the season with 12. Outside of that year he only reached double digits once (10 the year before).

That's okay, Burress can give you something as a possession receiver.

Nope!

Plaxico Burress managed a career high of 78 receptions in the year of 2002. He has only ever caught 70 or more passes in three seasons while catching less than 40 in three other seasons.

His lack of receptions those years was largely due to injuries. However this hurts his value more than excuses his poor production. The fact that Burress is now older and completely out of football shape will make it even more difficult for him to make an impact on the field.

Burress' physical attributes are going to make teams take a look at him. He is freakishly big at 6-5 but whether he still has the speed he once had is yet to be determined. Burress in my view was always a poor man's Randy Moss.

Moss and he both shared the jump ball capabilities at one point in their careers. They are both the same age and just in case you had missed it, Randy Moss had three football teams last season. Moss is essentially sitting in the same boat as Burress. Neither player has any real value outside of the media hype that surrounds them.

Both players are too old and are not the type of players who age well. Neither player possesses the work rate or football IQ of a Hines Ward or Charles Woodson to play into their late 30s. It's not like they can keep pulling performances out a la Brett Favre either. They simply don't have the same demeanor or leadership qualities as the retired superstar.

A lot of the talk of Burress landing in Philadelphia stems from two reasons. For one, the team needs a tall and rangy receiver to complement Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson. Jason Avant and Riley Cooper are solid receivers but play similar styles.

The other reason is the redemption of Michael Vick. Andy Reid knows how to work with players in this situation but will only be willing to if it helps his organization. Plaxico Burress is not in a position to help the Eagles.

If you look at other players who were in his position such as Michael Vick and Donte Stallworth or even Adam Jones (formerly Pacman), you'll find that none of them did anything consistently during their first season back. Those three were all much younger than Burress also who doesn't have much time considering he will be 35 by the time his second season comes along.

It's a beautiful day for Plaxicco Burress being able to walk free for the first time in two years. However two years is two too long for his football career. Enjoy the beauty of freedom Plaxico and good luck in life but I'm sorry, this is one writer who doesn't expect to see you come September.

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