Three teams sure to be interested in Burress
Big, talented WR worth the risk to teams who need another weapon
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Big receivers can create big problems for NFL defenses. So while Plaxico Burress' career is in limbo because of off-field troubles, his talent still intrigues several teams in need of a playmaker.
"Guys like T.O. (Terrell Owens), Larry Fitzgerald, and Plaxico Burress are difficult to handle because you can't stop them from creating space when the football is in the air," Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott said.
"That's what big receivers can do that smaller ones can't. It's like what Charles Barkley did in basketball whenever he went up for a rebound. You might think you had position. But when the ball came down, he had it and you didn't."
The Giants' offense was not the same last season after losing Burress, who accidentally shot himself in the thigh Nov. 29 in a Manhattan nightclub. Burress was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison if convicted. He was suspended and eventually released by the Giants.
On Monday, Burress' case was adjourned until Sept. 23, and his lawyer doesn't think his case will go to trial until 2010. That means he probably will be available to play this season. However, any team that signs him will be taking a risk. The league has not promised it will delay a possible suspension of Burress until the case is resolved.
"We reserve the right to make a decision on it at the appropriate time," league spokesman Greg Aiello said Monday. Despite Burress' uncertain status, at least three teams are reportedly interested in signing him — the Bears, the Buccaneers and Jets. That's because Burress has at least three qualities that separate him from the typical NFL wideout: 
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Height: At 6-foot-5, Burress is one of the game's tallest targets, and he uses his size, leaping ability and body control to great advantage, particularly in the red zone.
Clutch track record: Burress has delivered when it matters most. He caught the winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl 42. In the 2007 NFC championship game, Burress was dominant in sub-zero conditions, making 11 catches for 151 yards in the Giants' upset victory at Green Bay.
Durability: Punctuality is not one of Burress' strengths, and he has been known to miss team meetings and practices. But he shows on Sundays. He has played in all 16 games five times during his nine-year career, and he has never played in fewer than 10.
"Nobody questions his ability to play football," Lott said. "It's about how he'll handle the other stuff. He needs to convince people he has gotten the message, but the interest in a player that good is always there."
Here are three wideout-needy teams that might decide Burress is worth the risk:
Bears: The more weapons Jay Cutler has, the more effective he'll be. Burress could be the perfect possession receiver to complement Devin Hester. Remember how Burress dominated the Packers in sub-zero playoff conditions? He can handle the Windy City.
Buccaneers: New coach Raheem Morris wants a more explosive offense. They have already traded for tight end Kellen Winslow. Why not add a little more spice?
Jets: They need a replacement for Laveranues Coles, and Burress is used to New York. If rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez wins the starting job, he would benefit greatly from having a target like Burress.
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