Tiki's Return

After abruptly retiring in 2006, Tiki Barber announced yesterday that he is coming out of retirement to play in the NFL once again. Barber, who is going to turn 36 in another month, had two years remaining on his deal with the New York Giants when he retired. The Giants have already mentioned that they have no interest in retaining him, and Barber will be a free agent as soon as the applicable paperwork is filed.

Barber, back when he was playing, was a legitimately solid running back. A three time Pro Bowler, he rushed for 10,449 yards over his ten year career. However, the legacy he left behind was one of division. He retired because he didn't like Tom Coughin's coaching style. As an analyst, he continually criticized Coughlin and Eli Manning for the slightest problem on the Giants. To that point, former teammate Antonio Pierce said not to expect anything from Barber in the locker room: "But what he did in that locker room my two years with him, he didn't do anything but deteriorate that team. And he didn't help us out. I don't see this guy as a leader or somebody that can help you out. And that's my problem with him."

Barber has indicated that he is interested in playing for one team - the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so he can play with his brother Ronde. However, what role would he fill there? They have a young running back in LeGarrette Blount, who appears to be on the verge of becoming a star. They have Cadillac Williams, who is a solid change of pace back. They still have Earnest Graham who, when he was the every down back for the Bucs, proved to be a solid back. Where would Barber fit?

Tiki, if he has anything left after his five year break, will be nothing more than a third down back. To expect him to walk in after his hiatus would be to deny reality. The top rushing total for a 36 year old, or older, running back is 830 for Marcus Allen. After that, John Riggins had 677 yards, followed by Marcus Allen at age 37 with 505 yards. Tiki Barber, while a lot of things, is no Marcus Allen.

Barber will be able to help a team, but as a third down, chance of pace type. If he is getting more than ten carries a game, there is something seriously wrong with the running back situation wherever he lands.