Tom Brady 's options at wide receiver have now become limited as Cole Beasley has decided to retire just a quarter of the way into the NFL season.
Beasley was only picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September, and played twice after he featured in defeats to Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran receiver was undrafted due to his smaller size, but was signed to his home state team the Dallas Cowboys in 2012.
The receiver proved that he was worthy over the next ten years, and later joined the Buffalo Bills before ending his career with the Bucs. Beasley was only signed this season to bolster Brady's options, but his retirement will come as a major blow to their potential Super Bowl hopes.
After a fast start to the NFL season, the Bucs now have a 2-2 record after losing their last two matches. They were to two heavyweights, but it isn't quite working for them this season.
That being said, they were still expected to make one solid push for what could be Brady's last shot at winning a Super Bowl. But now the veteran quarterback will have one less credible option to aim at.
Beasley's agent Justin Turner, confirmed to reporters that the wide receiver is ready to spend time with his family, and felt it was the perfect time to end what's been a prolific career. "He is ready to be with his family after playing in 11 seasons and it’s time to be a full-time dad and husband," Turner said.
The Bucs had been short of options already as injuries to receivers left them light, and it was one of the reasons Beasley was brought in. Mike Evans also missed the clash against the Packers, and it was no surprise that they could only muster up 12 points on that occasion.
But Beasley's retirement hasn't come at the worst time, as options are starting to return for Brady and the Bucs. Julio Jones (knee) and Breshad Perriman (knee, hamstring) took part in Wednesday’s practice, as did Russell Gage (hamstring).
Chris Godwin, who missed two games with a hamstring issue, was back in the side that faced the Chiefs, and made seven catches during their 41-31 defeat. Therefore, Beasley clearly felt as though he wasn't doing much harm by calling time.
His experience will be a big miss, and Brady will have to trust his remaining options if the Bucs are going to mount a Super Bowl challenge. But if any quarterback can cope with the mid season change, it's Brady.
Beasley ended his NFL career with 5,726 receiving yards, and had 554 receptions over his ten-year stint in the league. The former Cowboys, Bills and Bucs star also scored 34 touchdowns during his time in the NFL.
