Tim

Brown

Brown had a quiet opening week, but we still seem having value in points-per-reception leagues. Coach Gruden will get the Bucs passing game on track.

Just look at Gruden’s history. His possession receivers usually catch between 80-100 passes. That’s a challenge for Brown, but it underscores the old man’s upside this season.

Brown is realizing there is a limited market for his services these days. He proably will wait until the summer to officially announce his decision.

''Mr. Raider’’ finishes his career tied for third on the career receiving touchdown list with 100, and second all-time behind former teammate Jerry Rice in receiving yards with 14,934. While never a truly dominant player, Brown is a strong Hall of Fame candidate.

He will pursue broadcasting interests and attempt to become the first majority owner of a NASCAR race team. Some question his Hall of Fame credentials, but his numbers will be too hard to ignore, even if he doesn’t get inducted on his first try.

They hope Brown retires, but if he requests to be waive, they will do so soon. Brown has played all 16 years of his NFL career with Oakland.

The longest-tenured Raider, Brown has 1,070 receptions for 14,734 yards and 99 touchdowns. Brown has expressed interest to play for the Cowboys. It’s questionable what interest Brown will gather after poor offseason reports.

Denver and Tampa Bay are both led by Brown’s former coaches and need wide receiver depth. But Brown signed an offer sheet with Denver in the past and may want to stick it to Oakland.

The Bucs can guarantee Brown a significant role as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver, Denver can’t. Brown’s signing could mean a trade or release of Keenan McCardell if both salaries don’t fit under the cap. It could also mean less playing time for rookie Michael Clayton.

Brown may like to stay in the AFC West, but Tampa could provide more playing time.