Michael Clayton's value to the Bucs goes beyond his receiving numbers, which took a nosedive following a splashy rookie season in which he led all first year players in receptions.
Although Clayton, the team's first pick in 2004, has only two touchdown catches in the past four years, the Bucs made re-signing him a priority in the off-season.
After visits to the Lions and Vikings, Clayton cancelled a trip to Seattle and returned to Tampa Bay, where he signed a five-year, $26-million contract that includes $10.5 million in guarantees.
The reason? Clayton has always been willing to do the dirty work and represents what new coach Raheem Morris is trying to build in his first season - a young, tough-minded team that loves to play and practice.
The Bucs also believe Clayton will be rejuvenated now that he's out from under the heavy hand of former coach Jon Gruden.
"I had a conversation with Raheem during the season a year ago and he pulled me aside and I asked, 'Rah, how many guys on this team do you think would do whatever it takes to win?'" Clayton said. "He pointed out about five guys. We were going through a lot of things where we thought it should go one way and some thought it should maybe go another way. Now I see what he's doing, surrounding himself with guys that will fight, with warriors who are physical and can change the mentality. When we come out that locker room, I promise with the guys he's putting around him, the other team should be intimidated."
Clayton led all rookies in 2004 with 80 catches for 1,179 yards and seven touchdowns. Injuries slowed him the next season and then he simply fell into Gruden's doghouse as Joey Galloway became the featured wide receiver and ripped off three straight, 1000-yard seasons.
Galloway was released one day before the free agent signing period began as part of a veteran purge that also claimed iconic linebacker Derrick Brooks. After placing the franchise player tag on Antonio Bryant, the Bucs needed to secure a No. 2 wide receiver and felt Clayton still was their best option.
"It's been a long five years, a lot of things didn't go my way," Clayton said. "I made the best of the situation and played hard. I love the game of football and I play it with passion. It wasn't about numbers. We've talked about winning championships and it starts with the mentality I put on tape."
