In what could turn out to be nothing more than Belichickian due diligence, the Patriots caused a few waves when they were reported to have hosted veritable lightning rod wide receiver Plaxico Burress for a work out on Sunday.
According to ESPN:
Free agent receiver Plaxico Burress was headed to New England on Sunday to work out for the Patriots, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, and while coach Bill Belichick would not confirm the tryout, he indicated that taking a look at a high-profile veteran such as Burress would be business as usual.
Burress, 35, comes off of a 45-catch, 8-touchdown resurgent season with the New York Jets. Burress chose to sign with the Jets following a two-year prison sentence involving an expired concealed carry license after he accidentally shot his thigh in a New York City night club. Burress is also known for securing the game-winning touchdown pass during Super Bowl XLII and spoiling the Patriots' chance at a perfect season.
Analysis after the jump:
While Burress makes an intriguing red zone target that could be another devastating weapon in the Patriot arsenal, it would be surprising to see the team make a move on him this early. With an absolute logjam at the wide receiver position, it'd be difficult to imagine the front office taking Burress over several younger receivers with some type of previous experience in the Patriot offense. Still, the possibilities are somewhat tempting, and I would expect Buress to be at the very top of the front office's wish list in the event of a sudden injury to the current wide receiver depth chart.