Louis Lanzano / AP

Plaxico Burress is a potent receiver, but the risks of signing him are just too great for teams to overlook, writes Dan Pompei.

Q: Where do you think the lost Bucs will land? Derrick Brooks?" Warrick Dunn? I know they are both old, but they both have some gas left.
— John Klopfer, Ocala, Fla.

A: I’m not sure they will land anywhere other than a retirement village.

There is a chance that either could be called by teams that have suffered training camp or early season injuries. But if they haven’t signed with teams by now, it does not appear likely they will sign with teams prior to the start of camp.

Q: Is there any chance Rex Grossman will be the Texans’ starting QB?
— Dave, Birmingham, Ala.

A: Of course there is Dave. There is a chance every backup will be a starter because of the injury factor.

If you are asking if Grossman will beat out Matt Schaub in camp, I would say that would be highly unlikely. The Texans appear committed to Schaub, and their motivation to sign Grossman was not to challenge Schaub as much as it was to challenge Dan Orlovsky. But at one point or another I would think Grossman will have an impact on Houston games this year, especially given Schaub’s injury history.

And if Schaub does not perform consistently, there is a chance that at some point the team could turn to Grossman.

Q: Hey Dan, is Rex Ryan foolish to talk trash with Channing Crowder? Seems like it’s beneath a head coach to do that with a player.
— Brian, Atlanta

A: There are two things Ryan is doing by engaging Crowder in a war of words. First, he’s agitating and motivating Crowder. Second, he is giving the football public a few giggles. I covered Ryan’s father Buddy back in the old days, and he was the same way.

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Q: Why on Earth would the NFL Network want Matt Millen? What makes them think we’ll listen to a word he says when he ran the Lions into the ground?
— Chester Dodge, Los Angeles

A: NFL Network hired Matt Millen because he arguably is the best color commentator in the game.

Before he retired from broadcasting, I thought Millen was the best in the business. He combines analysis with insight, humor and timing as well as anyone. And even though he “ran the Lions into the ground” as you say, he still has great credibility as a former player who won Super Bowls with three different teams and has experienced the league from a front office perspective.

I’m looking forward to hearing him call games again. And I don’t believe anyone will turn off their TVs just because he is on the telecast.

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