Buccaneers: Gosder Cherilus Calls it a Career
One day after re-signing an offensive lineman, the Buccaneers see one retire.
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Yesterday, the Buccaneers announced the return of an offensive lineman. Joe Hawley was re-signed to a two-year contract. It seems like that timing was a bit serendipitous, as there is a retirement to announce. Take a look (per Pro Football Talk):
"“After much thought, prayer and discussion with loved ones, I have decided to retire from the NFL,” Cherilus wrote. “I am forever grateful to the teams, my teammates, the medical staffs and the fans.”"
So that ends the career of Gosder Cherilus. He started 116 out of 131 career games, in a career that took him from Detroit, through Indianapolis, before ending up with the Bucs for the final two years.
Many won’t be hurting too badly with this news. It’s understandable. We all saw how he played in the Cowboys game against David Irving. All of a sudden Irving was J.J. Watt for about a quarter. Gosder seemed to barely lay a finger on him at all.
He is still an offensive lineman, however, and you can never have too much depth along the front line. Even a potential piece that can play a bit in a pinch is valuable to a team looking to make that next step in their playoff hopes.
The Bucs should add to the offensive line during the draft. Doug Martin had his troubles last year, but the line wasn’t exactly opening gaping holes for him either. Depth is important, and without being able to bring back Cherilus, even though he wasn’t great, they will need to do more.
Next: Draft Profile: Ryan Anderson
How do you guys feel about the offensive line? Comment and let us know.