When the Patriots released tight end Tim Wright, the Bucs were quick to put in a claim, to bring back a former player they traded a year ago.
But they were far from the only ones.
According to Field Yates of ESPN, 10 teams put in claims on Wright: The Bucs, Jets, Bears, Falcons, Browns, Saints, Dolphins, Chiefs, Steelers and Lions.
The Buccaneers had first priority based on last year’s record, and they’ll continue to get first crack at waived players, as they try to rebuild last year’s 2-14 mess.
But it’s interesting to see several of the teams that tried, such as the Bears (where tight end Martellus Bennett is staying away in hopes of a new contract), the Saints (who traded Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks) and Lions (as Joseph Fauria is still bothered by last year’s ankle injury and isn’t participating in OTAs).
Wright’s obviously a talented player (80 catches and 11 touchdowns in two seasons), but to see so much of the league make a move is still a bit of an eye-opener.