Free agent wide receiver should be eligible to play in 2009. On Monday, June 15, his weapons-possession case was adjourned until September 23. Burress, who shot himself in the thigh with an unlicensed gun at a nightclub last November, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and could face a minimum of three and a half years in prison if convicted. His attorney, Benjamin Brafman, believes a plea agreement is unlikely.

Now, you’re probably thinking, “Matt, his case is adjourned until September 23! If convicted, he would only play for two weeks next season!”

Well, ESPN legal expert Lester Munson noted that most cases in the legal system are adjourned or extended multiple times. He said Burress should be able to play the entire season in 2009. What about Commissioner Roger Goodell? Can’t he suspend him?

If Goodell does, he can expect the Players Union to file a grievance and, according to Munson, the Union should win because Burress was suspended last year, cut by the New York, and lost millions of dollars.

Three teams have been reported as monitoring Burress’ situation closely: the , the Buccaneers, and the Bears. Is the possibility of having Burress for one season of use and potential tardiness to meetings and practices worth it? For these three teams: YES!

The Jets lost wide receiver to the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason. That leaves them with a receiving core of Jerricho Cotchery, Chansi Stuckey, Brad Smith, David Clowney, Wallace Wright, Huey Whittaker, and Paul Raymond. Cotchery had a good year in 2008, catching 71 passes for 858 yards and five touchdowns, but he’s not a big time playmaker. Burress could serve as a target for rookie quarterback . Not bad having a guy like him there to catch errant throws over the middle for your first season under center. The only problem could be whether or not new head coach appreciates Burress’ attitude. His disdain for coming to practice every week might rub an old school guy like Ryan the wrong way.

What about those Buccaneers? They nearly overhauled their entire roster this offseason, and one player they let go was veteran receiver Joey Galloway. Besides and tight end Jr., which receiver on the roster puts the fear of God into the eyes of opposing teams? Not Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, or Dexter Jackson. Heck, neither Bryant or Winslow have had back-to-back Pro Bowl-caliber seasons. Burress is at least consistent and would be the perfect complement to Bryant, Winslow, and quarterback . Add that in with running backs and and this offense could shock the league.

The Bears have certainly come out of hibernation in terms of offseason acquisitions. They landed former Denver Broncos quarterback in a trade last April and signed future Hall of Fame left tackle and linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. Everyone knows about the receiving corps. Only two of them have caught a pass in the NFL, cornerback/return specialist turned wide receiver and , who has been MIA since the 2006 season. Earl Bennett never saw the field during his rookie season because he struggled learning all three receiving spots. Adding a receiver like Burress to an offense that features Cutler, running back , and tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen would certainly help the Bears state their case for the in 2009. It also just might help Hester take that next step as a receiver in training.

All three of these teams are a viable option for Burress. They all have the cap room to give him a decent one-year deal, much like the one Terrell Owens received from the Buffalo Bills this offseason. However, with Burress’ status for next season clearer than before, it is possible a new team could emerge in the sweepstakes. And, one year of Burress’ services would be worth the risk.

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