Buccaneers: How to Replace the Production of Vincent Jackson

Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) is introduced before the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) is introduced before the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) reacts after catching a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) reacts after catching a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

A Surprise Trade?

The idea would be for Jason Licht to make a run at Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham.

Currently sitting second on Seattle’s chart for catches and yards, Graham simply hasn’t had the impact the franchise hoped he would. Considering their play style is very largely predicated on controlling the ball and running it, I’m not surprised.

In 2015 had just two touchdown catches which was three fewer than he had his rookie season when he only brought in 31 total passes the entire year.

This season he is on pace to better his 2015 numbers, but not by much.

His presence coming from an in-line position or even split outside would force teams to respect the seams a lot more than they do now which would only serve to open things downfield for Mike Evans and underneath for Adam Humphries.

The Bucs don’t have much in young talent to send to the North-West in return so draft compensation would be steep, and they may even be able to sneak Johnthan Banks in on a deal sending him to a squad who believes they can get the best out of any defensive back.

With the trade deadline just a bit over one week away this would have to happen quickly, which doesn’t bode well for its actual possibility. But it’s fun to imagine.

David Harrison