Griese Set Free

July 13, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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This move shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released quarterback Brian Griese today. This move was so expected that the Bucs said that it was done to create a roster spot for a draft pick.

To make room on the roster for [third round draft pick Roy] Miller, who by signing now counts against the 80-man offseason limit, the team released veteran quarterback Brian Griese.

Remarkable isn’t it? You can be an NFL starting QB one season then become a roster limit causality the next off season.

Griese’s numbers in 2008 weren’t horrible, but not that good either. Over five games, he had a 59.8 completion percentage, averaging 214.6 yards a game with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Basically the 34-year olds numbers were those you’d expect from a backup.

When your team drafts a quarterback in the first round (Josh Freeman) and signs the Super Bowl winners backup (Byron Leftwich) your days are numbered. Especially with those type of numbers.

So where does Griese go from here? There are a couple options but all would lead to a backup role.

First you have the New England Patriots. Griese had OK numbers, not bad, not spectacular but don’t you think those numbers would be better in that offense? Matt Cassel performed pretty damn good, so I’m sure Griese would be alright if he had to play. Griese has even more experience which would make him a more ideal backup should Tom Brady not be fully healthy.

Sidelion Report suggests the Detroit Lions give him a call. His thinking isn’t that bad. He suggests Drew Stanton is no longer a fit and that Griese would be the ideal 3rd stringer to support and guide the number one draft pick Matt Stafford. I’d have to say that I like his thinking.

There’s a few other teams who could use his services but I think these are the two who can the most. Will a deal happen, who knows he was just released today. I’m sure over the next week, he’ll start talking to a few teams as Training Camp is just days a way!

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