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Tampa Bay Buccaneers rumors: DeSean Jackson interest

By John Buhler

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a vertical threat in their passing game. Would free agent DeSean Jackson be the piece they need in Dirk Koetter’s Air Coryell?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be on the cusp of getting back into the NFC Playoffs in 2017. They have a lot of great pieces already in place, but could really use an over-the-top vertical receiving to make things easier for starting quarterback Jameis Winston. Could free agent DeSean Jackson be that guy?

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “[The Tampa Bay Buccaneers] are set to make a strong push for [Washington Redskins] wide receiver DeSean Jackson.” Rapoport would add that Jackson has a lot of interest across the league, but expect the Buccaneers to be seriously in the mix for his services.

Jackson has been a preeminent vertical threat in his nine NFL seasons out of Cal. He came into the league and starred on the outside for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2008 to 2013. Jackson would leave Philadelphia to play for the NFC East rival Washington Redskins the last three years.

He has made three trips to the Pro Bowl (2009-10, 2013) and has 498 career catches for 8,819 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns. Even into his early 30s, Jackson possess great straight-line speed. That part of his game doesn’t seem like it is waning anytime soon.

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In his last few years in Washington, Jackson has been able to pivot as a reliable possession receiver in third-down scenarios. If he goes to Tampa Bay, he will really open up the field for Winston to become a more accurate passer. The Buccaneers have ample cap space to work with to pay Jackson top-dollar to sign him in unrestricted free agency this spring.

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