Clayton plans to "take it out on the Bucs" if cut.http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/aug/12/sp-clayton-at-end-of-depth-chart/sports-bucs/Code
TAMPA - The first game of the preseason is always preceded by the first depth chart of the season, and the most interesting thing about the depth chart the Buccaneers released this week centered on WR Michael Clayton.
Coming off the worst statistical season of his career, the former first-round draft pick is listed as one of the team's "other" receivers in a group that includes two undrafted rookies and an undrafted second-year pro.
Clayton, who was re-signed to a five-year, $24 million contract before last season, is behind at least six players on the depth chart, but he says his bubble status doesn't come as any surprise to him.
"They let me know coming in what it was," Clayton said Wednesday. "And it's not like I haven't been in this position before. I had to climb from being sixth on the depth chart once, so I know how to handle it."
So it seems. Coaches and General Manager Mark Dominik have said repeatedly Clayton has looked as good as any receiver in camp this year. The likelihood then is that Clayton's play in games will decide his fate.
"I don't know how it's all going to pan out, but we still have another month before the season starts," he said. "I mean, we haven't played a game yet and that's something I've (got) experience in."
Clayton's performance in regular-season games has often been disappointing. That's why he's on the bubble. But with so many young receivers on the roster, the Bucs may find some value in Clayton's experience. Clayton sure hopes so.
"I've been through a lot of different quarterbacks here, but Josh Freeman is the first franchise quarterback I've had a chance to play with," Clayton said. "To have a chance to grow and develop with him would mean a lot.
"I definitely want that opportunity. I really want a chance to grow with this new team and be the guy that once caught 80 balls again. I really hope that happens.
"But I wouldn't be disappointed if it went the other way. I would let the chips fall and I'd just have to do my best to take it out on the Bucs every single time I got the chance to play against them."