Dallas Clark could Be a Tampa Bay Buc by the end of the week.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of a transition at the tight end position. After reportedly telling current tight end Kellen Winslow he will be traded or released, the Bucs have now set their sights on adding former Indianapolis Colts’ tight end Dallas Clark.
Clark, a former Pro Bowler, made an official visit to the Bucs facility last week according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sportscenter this morning. With the news breaking about the Bucs desire to trade Winslow, Schefter also reported that the team could sign Clark as soon as this week to replace him.
Clark has been hampered by injuries over the past two seasons. During the 2010 season, Clark suffered a season ending injury that caused him to miss 10 games and the postseason. Last season Clark missed six games for a Colts team that was devastated by injuries.
During his last full season in 2009, Clark made the Pro Bowl after catching 100 passes for 1,106 yards to go along with 10 touchdowns. Yet, he has not been healthy since then and has seen a big drop in his production simply cause he has not been able to stay on the field.
In 2010, Clark hauled in 37 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, Clark totalled 34 receptions for 352 yards and two touchdowns.
The former Iowa product, who was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft will turn 33 years old this June and likely has just a couple good years (if that) left in him. However, he did average 10.4 yards per catch last season, so he can still catch the ball and produce when healthy. He also will be a much cheaper option than Winslow and will likely sign for close to the veteran minimum
The Bucs will need to act swiftly if they want to add Clark to their roster, because the Broncos, Chiefs and Patriots have all shown direct interest in signing the former Colt to a contract.
