Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
In hopes of adding some depth and upside to their wide receiver corps, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Chris Owusu.
Once considered an early-round talent, former Stanford standout Owusu failed to hear his name called during the 2012 NFL Draft. His history of concussions and other injury issues turned coaches away from drafting the electrifying pass-catcher and return man.
After going undrafted, Owusu caught on with the San Francisco 49ers and his former college coach Jim Harbaugh. The speedy receiver put on a good performance during training camp and the preseason, hauling in five passes for 43 yards and showing an ability to run block on the outside. The 49ers, however, were stacked at the position, which forced them to sever ties with Owusu at final cuts.
Owusu wound up joining the San Diego Chargers as part of their practice squad shortly after the 49ers handed him his pink slip. His stay in his native Southern California didn’t last long, though.
The Buccaneers signed Owusu off of the Chargers’ practice squad, placing him on the active roster the same day that Tampa Bay shuffled around a couple wide receivers. Preston Parker was released to make room for the re-signing of Tiquan Underwood as the Buccaneers continue to overhaul their receiving corps.
With 4.36 speed and the open-field moves to go along with it, Owusu has the potential to develop into a contributor for the Buccaneers by season’s end. That is if he can stay healthy, of course.
Make sure to follow Gil Alcaraz IV on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
