The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced several moves on Monday. After adding cornerback Brandon McDonald and waiving cornerback Desmond Marrow, they picked up wide receiver Jordan Shipley on waivers.
Shipley tore his ACL early last season and seemed to still be carrying the effects of the injury. He had hauled in only one reception in the first two preseason games.
He was waived by the Cincinnati Bengals last Friday after failing to land a spot in a young, up-and-coming receiving corps that was fairly open outside of star second-year receiver A.J. Green.
Photo Via Tampa Bay Buccaneers Official Facebook Page
Shipley was selected in the third round (84th overall) out of the University of Texas at Austin in 2010. He started just four games in his rookie campaign and racked up 52 receptions for 600 yards and 3 TDs in the slot.
It looks like the 5-7, 180-pound wide out Andrew Hawkins will win that spot this season.
Brandon McDonald joins the Buccaneers after playing in 13 games with the Detroit Lions last season. In his five-year career, he has played in 69 games (29 starts) while recording 192 tackles, one sack, 40 passes defensed, eight interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
McDonald was originally selected by the Cleveland Browns as a fifth-round selection (140th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Shipley should shape up to be a solid slot receiver for the Buccaneers if he can fully recover and remain healthy. After Vincent Jackson, there doesn’t appear to be a set pecking order for Tampa bay’s receivers, so he’ll have the opportunity to become a big contributor if he’s able to stay upright and advance his skills set with his new club.
Thew two new additions were low-risk, decent-reward moves by the Bucs, especially with Shipley.
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