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Chad Johnson doesn’t have much pull after all. Despite lobbying for the Bengals to sign T.O., they opted for Antonio Bryant instead. He’s a much younger option than T.O., but I’m not sure it’s a deal I would have done. Bryant got a four-year, $28 million deal. He’s had a couple of nice years, but for the most part has been underwhelming.

His fantasy value increases though. Carson Palmer is a major upgrade for Bryant. Assuming he’s healthy, he should be a nice #3 or #4 WR. I’m expecting around 1000 yards and 5-7 TDs.

A couple of star receivers got banged up today.

Tampa Bay WR Antonio Bryant will miss the rest of the preseason after injuring his knee.  He tore the meniscus in his left knee.  He will have his knee scoped ASAP in hopes that he’ll be ready to go when the Bucs open their season on September 13th against Dallas.  Bryant had a career year last year with 83 receptions for 1248 yards and 7 TDs.  This is a blow to Bryant’s fantasy value as he won’t get time to work on a rapport with newcomer Luke McCown, who is likely to land the starting QB job. 

In other injury news, Carolina stud WR Steve Smith injured his shoulder in a collision with Cornerback Chris Gamble.  X-Rays are his shoulder were negative and it’s unclear at this point how long Smith will be out of action.

The Bucs collapsed last year costing Jon Gruden his job.  His voice may have grown old with the players.  Raheem Morris is a new voice, and by all accounts is respected by the team.  Jeff Garcia will mostly likely not be back with the Bucs next year.  Luke McCown was re-signed and will be given the opportunity to compete with Brian Griese to win the starting gig.  Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, and Cadillac Williams (if he’s healthy) form a nice RB trio, but they’d be wise to add a young runner.  Antonio Bryant had a breakout year and is their top priority this offseason.  They put the franchise tag on him, and will likely work out a long-term deal.  Michael Clayton is also a Free Agent, but he has yet to match his impressive Rookie Season.  After disappointing for four years, I see no reason why he’d be back.  The Bucs should add some youth at WR this offseason.  Jerramy Stevens is a Free Agent, but with Alex Smith and John Gilmore under contract, I don’t see the Bucs going after Stevens hard to re-sign.  Left Tackle Donald Penn is a Restricted Free Agent.  I don’t see him going anywhere.

Defensively, Defensive Lineman Kevin Carter and Jovan Haye and Defensive Backs Phillip Buchanon and Jermaine Phillips are Free Agents.  The Bucs are likely to go away from the Tampa 2 so there could be a lot of changes on Defense this year.  The Bucs will bring in guys who fit their new philopshy.

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