Demps Siren!
He’s been gone almost three months now and that still never gets old.
Jeff Demps was traded from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this offseason in exchange for running back LeGarrette Blount, and the Olympic track star plans to report to the team sometime soon, according to Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times. No specific timetable was given.
Demps signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent last offseason, spending the entire season on injured reserve, after competing for the U.S. in the 2012 London Olympic Games. He was expected to be a weapon on special teams, utilizing his track-star speed on kick and punt returns, but he was traded to the Bucs before ever seeing any real game action with the Patriots.
Demps has spent the offseason continuing to pursue his track career while also remaining committed to football. Bill Belichick didn’t like the dual commitment, which led to the speedster’s exit from New England. Head coach Greg Schiano and the Buccaneers seem to be more tolerant of his decision and are banking on his contributions on special teams this season.
The Patriots will hold joint practices with the Buccaneers on Aug. 13 and 14 during training camp, leading up to their game at Gillette Stadium on Friday, Aug. 16. Demps could well be with the Bucs by then, meaning he could make his triumphant return to Foxboro very, very soon. If not, the Bucs do travel back to New England in Week 3. So, we can always ring the siren then.
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