Plaxico Burress Released from Prison: What's Next for Former New York Giant?

Monday, June 6 will be a day to remember in the life of former New York Giants wide receiver and ex-convict Plaxico Burress. It's the day he got his freedom back.

Burress has spent the last 21 months behind bars after he accidentally shot himself in a New York City nightclub. The crime was not that he shot himself, but that he had a handgun in the club to begin with.

The tale of Burress' downfall is well known. What is not known is what's next for the soon-to-be 34-year-old wide receiver.

Many players have taken time off from the NFL, few have returned with much success. Burress can look to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who last started a full season in 2006 before leading the Eagles to the playoffs after missing two seasons with his own incarceration.

Many are quick to connect the dots between Burress and Vick and not only draw a comparison as to what we as fans, writers and NFL analysts can expect from Burress in year one, but also as potential teammates.

Few NFL teams are equipped with a strong enough locker room to handle the media attention that will come with signing Burress. The Philadelphia Eagles immediately jump off the page as a team capable of taking Burress in.

Head coach Andy Reid has dealt with his own troubles, both of his sons were arrested for drug use and other misdemeanors, and he has also taken in Vick after few NFL teams would even look his way.

Reid turned Vick into a playoff quarterback. In fact, it's quite shocking that Reid was able to make Vick into a West Coast quarterback when Greg Knapp and Dan Reeves failed to make him even remotely successful as a drop-back passer.

The Eagles have a need at the position as well. While DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are both exciting players, neither is a vertical threat or able to box-out defenders for position in the red zone.

This is where Burress excels. His height (6'6") and long arms would be an immediate improvement to the Philadelphia passing game.

While we can only speculate where Burress will sign once the NFL lockout ends, I'm willing to bet the Philadelphia Eagles are in the running.