Bucs Add Bennett to Backfield
The Bucs bolstered their running attack yesterday when they acquired Michael Bennett in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. The terms of the deal are yet to be released.
Bennett is a 7th year veteran and former first round draft pick and this appears to be a reactionary trade by the Bucs. Rumours were that the Bucs were looking for a more physical runner but it appears that Bennett was the only option available after the Vikings rebuffed an offer for Mewelde Moore. In the last 2 games the Bucs have managed to rack up 46 yards on the ground and we need an effective running game to prevent teams dropping players into coverage to stop the likes of Galloway and Clayton.
Bennett should hopefully bring more speed to the backfield and this should help him get to the perimeter whereas Graham can be used inside the tackles to get the hard yards. Bennett had potential to be an olympic sprinter but decided to focus on football. Hopefully he’ll be able to bring some of that speed to the Bucs backfield.
Bennett was the Vikings first round pick of the ‘01 draft and spent 4 years in Minnesota before signing with the Saints. However that was short lived as the Saints signed Reggie Bush and Bennett was the odd man out and he moved on to the Chiefs. He has spent the last season and change providing backup to Larry Johnson in Kansas City
Bennett is in the final year of his contract and the Bucs will be responsible for picking up the remaining monies left on a base salary of $1.2 million.
Bennett Stats:
Rushing 769 attempts 3,426 yards and 12 TD’s
Recieving 145 receptions 1,164 yards and 5 TD’s
