Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Plaxico Burress and 10 Possible Additions to the Offense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made one of the biggest improvements in a team record from 2009 to 2010 and one reason for this was their much improved offense.

Still, the passing offense was only ranked 17th in the league at 210.1 passing yards per game. Their rushing attack helped pick up the slack at 125.1 yards per game, marking them eighth in the league.

While the Bucs are clearly a team that is headed in the right direction, there are still moves that can be made to help improve the offense as a whole.

Raheem Morris and the Bucs management should consider going and searching for other various options on offense to improve their chances of capturing a division title in the tough NFC South.

Here are 10 players that I think could really benefit the Buccaneers' offensive unit.

10. RB Tiki Barber

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Former New York Giants Tiki Barber is inducted into the Giants �Ring of Honor� during halftime of a game between the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford,

At 36 years old Tiki Barber has been somewhat of an afterthought in NFL football. 

After arguably one of the best seasons of his career in 2006, Barber retired from the New York Giants as the team's all-time leading rusher with 10,449 yards in 10 years.

Along with that record, Barber also led the league in yards from scrimmage in both 2004 and 2005.

The concern with Barber is that he has been four years removed from the league which would seemingly be very tough to come back from.

Nevertheless, Barber is a proven running back who has put up solid numbers throughout his career.

The Bucs would not be a bad place for him to make a comeback playing behind both Cadillac Williams and LeGarrette Blount. This would allow Barber for spot duty in the backfield and help him to ease back in the league.

Not to mention, Barber would also be a valuable veteran presence in the backfield and it would be neat to see both Ronde and Tiki playing together again.

9. WR Steve Breaston

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GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: Steve Breaston #15 of the Arizona Cardinals loses a shoe as he eludes the tackle from Myron Lewis #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizo

Steve Breaston has flourished in the Arizona Cardinals' passing attack in the last several years.

He has developed from his days at Michigan as a big play receiver to a reliable slot receiver who has the speed to beat defenders in the middle of the field.

The Buccaneers are in need of a solid third or fourth option at receiver and Breaston can provide that for the Bucs.

In addition, Breaston can add some excitement to the kick and punt return positions.

In his career, Breaston has brought back a kick return for 20 or more yards 61 times. He could be a solid first or second option at the return positions.

He would give quarterback Josh Freeman another go-to wide receiver and that is always an important asset for any young quarterback in the NFL.

8. WR James Jones

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers scores a 20-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against Brent Grimes #20 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 201

Much like Steve Breaston, James Jones would give the Buccaneers a solid third or fourth option at receiver.

In 2010, Jones had the best season of his career with 50 receptions and 679 receiving yards.

Along with his great numbers, Jones was an important part in the Packers' run to winning the Super Bowl.

Jones would bring that championship experience to the Bucs, which is something not many players on the Tampa roster currently have.

He also seems to be in the middle of his prime and with a bright young quarterback like Josh Freeman at the helm, Jones' numbers could only increase over the next few years.

7. OT Tyson Clabo

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Tackle Tyson Clabo #77 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Tyson Clabo has developed into one of the Atlanta Falcons' best offensive lineman after struggling early on in his NFL career.

Clabo is expected to become a free agent once the lockout is lifted and Atlanta has said that they will most likely try and sign Clabo back to the Falcons.

But if he is available, I think he would be a solid pick up for the Bucs.

Clabo could join with Bucs offensive guard Davin Joseph and help form one of the better offensive lines in the NFC.

And fans understand how important it is to have a quality offensive line to protect your franchise quarterback.

In this case, Josh Freeman would welcome that kind of protection for the upcoming season.

6. OT Doug Free

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IRVING, TX - CIRCA 2010: In this handout image provided by the NFL,Doug Free of the Dallas Cowboys poses for his 2010 NFL headshot circa 2010 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboy offensive lineman Doug Free would provide the same benefit to the Bucs as Tyson Clabo would.

Free is one of the Cowboy's top offensive linemen and one that seems to keep getting better.

He would be able to step in and immediately provide more effective protection for Josh Freeman.

However, it seems likely the Cowboys will make it a priority to keep Free, but still, the Bucs should explore this option if they are given the opportunity.

You can never have too many quality offensive linemen to protect your franchise quarterback.

5. QB Matt Hasselbeck

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball during pregame before taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

It is unclear whether the Seattle Seahawks are planning on retaining Hasselbeck as the team's starting quarterback or if they will give the job to a younger quarterback in Charlie Whitehurst.

If Hasselbeck does become a free agent, he will hardly be the best free agent quarterback available.

Therefore, Hasselbeck may be forced to settle for a backup quarterback role in order to sign with a team.

In that case, the Bucs would be a great spot for Hasselbeck who could mentor Josh Freeman as he continues to grow as a quarterback.

Hasselbeck also provides the Bucs with better security in the backup quarterback role.

Josh Johnson, who is currently the Bucs' backup quarterback, does not have near the experience or talent that Hasselbeck possesses. 

He would be a great fit in Tampa.

4. WR Malcom Floyd

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 5: Wide Receiver Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers goes up for a reception against Cornerback Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California.

Malcom Floyd's name is not often talked about outside of San Diego since he is behind Antonio Gates and Vincent Jackson.

But Floyd is a very underrated wide receiver.

He has great size for a wide out and can be a big play threat down the field.

Although the price for Floyd may be a little higher than what the Bucs might find acceptable, Floyd is a talent that would be worth the price.

Giving Josh Freeman that extra weapon down the field could instill more confidence in him which could be very crucial as Freeman continues to develop into a perennial NFL quarterback.

3. RB Mike Tolbert

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 16: Running back Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers rushes with the ball as cornerback Shawntae Spencer #36 of the San Francisco 49ers trys to tackle him at Qualcomm Stadium on December 16, 2010 in San Diego, California.

When rookie Ryan Matthews was struggling for the San Diego Chargers last season, Mike Tolbert stepped in and helped fill that void in the Chargers' running game.

Now it seems as if Tolbert will become a free agent later this summer.

He could be another solid option at running back for the Buccaneers if he chooses to leave San Diego.

However, it looks like the Chargers will go hard after Tolbert in order to keep stability at their running back position.

But Tolbert was quietly one of the more productive running backs in 2010.

Look for Tolbert to possibly make a splash in the free agent market once the lockout is lifted.

2. WR Terrell Owens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

I am putting Terrell Owens on this list simply because of his offensive talent.

Even though Owens might want too much money, the fact that Owens is available should cause the Bucs to at least look at the one of the best wide receivers in the past decade.

Everyone knows that Owens brings an ego along with his ability, but it seems as if Owens has had his ego checked after a somewhat quiet year in Cincinnati. 

If Owens lines up for the Bucs next season, defenses will have to focus on him wherever he is on the field.

Signing Owens could open up more room for the Bucs' younger receivers like Mike Williams and Sammie Stroughter. 

Owens would be a dynamic playmaker for the Buccaneers in 2011.

1. WR Plaxico Burress

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants catches a 13-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter over Ellis Hobbs #27 of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of P

If you haven't heard, Plaxico Burress is finally out of jail. 

But of course you have heard.

Burress has been out of the league for a couple years and he might be reserved for more red zone role instead of being an every down receiver.

But at 6'6", Burress can be a force on the outside and near the endzone.

He was coming off his best season with the Giants during their Super Bowl run until he ran into his issues with the law.

There has been speculation that the Bucs have become one of Burress' potential suitors.

I believe Raheem Morris would be a great coach for Burress during this time in his life because Morris is a players' coach and will be able to support Burress as he transitions back into the world of football.

If Burress is able to duplicate his production from before his prison sentence, he would be an instant weapon for the Bucs, giving them a whole new dimension on offense for 2011.