Why Plaxico Burress Does/Doesn't Make Sense for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Yesterday afternoon, ESPN reported that free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress could be heading to Pittsburgh to play for the Steelers this season.

It would be his second stint with the reigning AFC North champs, and one that is sure to make everyone's head spin as well.

The controversial receiver was just recently released from prison after spending nearly two years behind bars.

But make no mistake about it, this guy can still play football.

Up until a few short seasons ago, Burress was easily one of the top receivers in the league.

He's had four seasons of over 1,000 receiving yards and has caught 55 TD passes in his lengthy nine-year NFL career.

Even though he hasn't played since 2008, the 33-year-old Burress is still one of the most physically-gifted wideouts in the league.

He is well put together at 6'5, 232 lbs, and has the leaping ability that nearly every coach dreams of in a wide receiver.

Adding Burress would give the Steelers passing offense another playmaker, to go along with speedy wideout Mike Wallace and four-time Pro-Bowler Hines Ward.

He could also give Big Ben a lift by providing another option down-field for the two-time Super Bowl champion QB.

However, he has some well-known off-the-field issues that have plagued him as well.

Many teams have passed on him because of this, and who can blame them after an inexcusable incident like this one.

He also had a problem getting along with Giants head coach Tom Coughlin while playing for him from 2005-08.

It will come down to how bad the Steelers want to take a chance on Plaxico, compared to how desperate they are for some wide receiver help.

I would think that the risk is worth the reward in Burress's case.

Stay tuned to see if the Steelers agree with this statement enough to sign the mercurial receiver.