Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Speedy New Receiver

With the feeding frenzy of the first wave of free agency in full force, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been relatively quiet. Which was expected with not a lot of cap space to work with. The biggest headlines they made was when free agents were signed away and the huge contracts they received and when they traded away an unhappy receiver. To replace disgruntled DeSean Jackson they brought in another wide receiver with some speed in Breshad Perriman.

As was expected the Buccaneers stayed out of the huge money signings that were part of the first wave of free agency. Including losing two of their own key cogs in Kwon Alexander and Adam Humphries to big money deals. Also as many expected, they chose to trade away DeSean Jackson both for cap space and because he was unhappy in Tampa. Coming into free agency there was an expectation of the possible loss of Humphries and Jackson. That being the case even with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as their top two receivers they still needed to add depth to the position.

Breshad Perriman’s College Career and Draft Process

Playing for three years at UCF Breshad Perriman steadily increased his production with his senior year being his best when he totaled 50 catches, 1044 yards, and 9 touchdowns. As he finished up his college career after his junior season with a total of 115 catches, 2243 yards (19.5/catch), and 16 touchdowns.

After his junior season, he chose to enter the NFL Draft but was unable to participate in the Combine due to injury. His Pro Day blew teams out of the water as at 6’2” 212 lbs. he ran a 4.25 forty and propelled himself to a mid-first round prospect. The Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 26th pick in the 2015 Draft and his career went downhill from there.

NFL Career so Far

His rookie season ended abruptly as he was placed on injured reserve missing the entire season and he never really recovered. He played just two season in Baltimore and was one of the final cuts prior to the 2018 season. He totaled just 43 catches for 576 yards and 3 touchdowns with the Ravens. Briefly picked up by Washington for one week before being waived/cut and finally landing in Cleveland. While playing in 10 games with two starts in Cleveland he totaled 16 catches for 340 yards (21.3 yards/catch) with two touchdowns. Originally wanting to return to the Browns but once they traded for Odell Beckham Jr. He realized that he was falling down the depth chart and wanted out.

What He Brings to the Buccaneers

As he signed with the Buccaneers he brings with him, lets be honest, a very disappointing career so far after being a 1st round selection. The hope for the Buccaneers is that he will fill the “speedster role” that they lost when they traded Desean Jackson. Although he brings a 48% catch rate of his career targets with him to the Buccaneers he also brings a career 15.5 yards/catch. Last season with the Browns he had probably his best year.

Maybe he has finally started to turn into that player that was drafted in the 1st round. The Buccaneers hope that since he does not have to be one of the top targets that he will be more comfortable in the offense.  What he brings to the Buccaneers is a deep threat who will open up the middle of the field, so they can run and pass with ease.

Now with his career it will be interesting to see if he can bring that to the Buccaneers offense. For their sake I along with the rest of the fans really hope so, and also hopefully Jameis Winston will be able to hit him with the deep pass. Now tell me Buccaneers fans what do you think newly signed Breshad Perriman brings to the offense?