Jeff Demps cut by Buccaneers
Many Patriots fans will no doubt remember the entirety of the Jeff Demps fiasco with a not-so-fond nostalgia. After competing with several other teams including the Buccaneers for Demps’ signature as a speedy, exciting back, the Patriots won the rights to sign him after he forewent the draft in favour of competing at the 2012 Summer Olympics. After signing however, Demps thought it better to continue his efforts in track and field, and was continuously non-committal to his NFL career over the course of the 2012 season.
In 2013, Belichick had enough and traded Demps away to the Buccaneers for underperforming running back LeGarrette Blount, who then proceeded to have one of his best seasons to date wearing a Patriots uniform, bulldozing opponents for 773 yards on the season and earning himself a free-agent deal with the Steelers. Demps meanwhile played two games for the Bucs, racking up 14 yards rushing and 93 on kickoff returns.
While it is clear that Demps has a gift in his speed, and will likely make a roster through waivers as a return specialist, his indecisiveness regarding his career may have just turned many NFL franchises sour.
Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
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