Dec 04, 2011; Landover, MD, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) along the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. the Jets defeated the Redskins 34-19. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE
The Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed back a familiar face to club Tuesday by signing free agent receiver Plaxico Burress to a one-year deal. Burress spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Steelers after being drafted by the club with the eighth overall pick in 2000.
Free agent quarterback Brian Hoyer also inked a one-year deal with the Steelers. According to the team’s press release, financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Burress became a free agent in 2005 and signed with the New York Giants and played a huge role in the team’s championship season in 2007 when they lifted the Lombardi Trophy.
Due to a gun incident, in which the 6-5, 232-pound wide receiver shot himself in the leg in a New York city nightclub (a city where firearms are not permitted), Burress was arrested and later sent to prison for two years from 2009 to 2010.
Burress was given an opportunity to play the game he loves and he spent the 2011 season with the New York Jets after being out of football. Last season, Burress played in all 16 games (13 starts) for the Jets and recorded 45 receptions for 612 yards and eight touchdowns.
During Burress’ career, he has 550 receptions for 8,457 yards and 63 touchdowns. Burress started all 12 postseason games during his career and registered 46 receptions for 688 yards and six touchdowns.
The Michigan State standout’s biggest asset is his ability to catch passes in the redzone area. This dimension will help make the Steelers (7-4) a dangerous threat when they are in scoring position.
Burress will wear No. 80.
Hoyer was originally signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Michigan State in 2009. After playing in 13 games for the Patriots in three seasons, Hoyer was released in August.
To make room on the roster for Burress and Hoyer, the Steelers released running back Baron Batch and linebacker Marshall McFadden.
Barry Barnes is the founder of LockerReport.com. You can follow Barry @2BSports