Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran slot wide receiver Cole Beasley is calling it a career, hanging up his cleats after 11 productive seasons. But why walk away now? It’s primarily for family reasons, per Beasley’s agents, Joel Turner and Justin Turner.
Beasley Forged a Long Career
“He is done,” Joel Turner said. “He is getting back on a plane and going back home. He went from a kid that not one all-star game wanted or the scouting combine. Thirty-one teams didn’t want him when he went undrafted out of college. The Dallas Cowboys did want him, and we are greatly appreciative of them and every team he played for.
“He is an unbelievably wonderful human being, a great football player and an even better husband and father. He hasn’t been able to be a full-time dad for a while. The game takes a toll on you.”
After going undrafted out of SMU and signing with the Cowboys in 2012, Beasley played for Dallas and the Buffalo Bills before joining the Buccaneers’ practice squad.
Beasley could have signed with the New York Giants before deciding to play for the Buccaneers and join star quarterback Tom Brady. Beasley’s reliability as a proven sure-handed presence was regarded as a strong fit with Brady.
He caught four passes for 17 yards in two games this season. He finishes his career with 554 catches for 5,726 yards and 34 touchdowns. He averaged 10.3 yards per reception for his career.
Why the Buccaneers Needed Cole Beasley
The Buccaneers have dealt with a ton of injuries at wide receiver this year, including Chris Godwin, Julio Jones, Russell Gage, and Breshad Perriman. Plus, wide receiver Mike Evans served a one-game suspension for fighting.
There were also a lot of dropped passes, much to the displeasure of Brady, who threw a tablet during a win over the New Orleans Saints earlier this season.
Beasley drew serious interest and contract offers from multiple NFL teams before joining the Buccaneers, per a source.
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NFL teams, including Giants coach Brian Daboll, his offensive coordinator in Buffalo, made efforts to recruit Beasley. Beasley caught 82 passes for 693 yards and one touchdown last season for the Bills.
Beasley caught passes this summer in Austin, Texas, with Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield while training with since-retired wide receiver Danny Amendola, another accomplished wide receiver who played with Brady in New England.
After being given permission to seek a trade from the Bills, he was released in March. Beasley combined for 164 receptions and 1,640 yards, and five touchdowns for the Bills over the last two seasons.
“I appreciate the fans who supported me,” Beasley wrote on social media in August regarding his time in Buffalo. “The most fun I’ve ever had playing football in Buffalo. My family and I will never forget the memories. Love all of my teammates there. I won’t regret leaving though. Things changed within the organization. It was time for me to move on.”