As the NFL Combine is underway, there is a growing sentiment that the Buccaneers will be the team to sign highly touted free agent receiver DeSean Jackson.
The Combine is a fun event to watch on television but the real work is being done in places we can’t see. Player interviews, conversations with other teams, and most importantly – conversations with agents. The Buccaneers are quickly becoming a team hot in the rumor mill.
DraftAnalyst.com has reported that the “growing feeling” is that DeSean Jackson will sign with the Bucs come March 9 when free agency officially begins. Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com states;
"“I’m told Jackson will receive a contract that will pay him close to $12 million annually.The belief right now is Jackson will end up with the Tampa Bay Bucs, as the combination of weather, a big-armed passer in James Winston and no state tax will make it tough for any other team to match.”"
That’s a hefty contract for a 30 year old receiver. However, very few in the NFL are as good at structuring big contracts as the Bucs are, so the structure on a deal like this will be critical and the Bucs will find a way to make it work.
The DeSean Jackson rumors started a few weeks ago with the Josina Anderson report and Jameis Winston came out publicly and said how much the team wants him.
Lining DeSean up opposite Mike Evans will give this team an element of speed they’ve never known. Yes, Joey Galloway was fast, but few are DeSean fast. John Ross broke the 40-yard dash record at the Combine Saturday and DeSean still looks faster at times during games.
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The Buccaneers are certainly in the market for one, maybe two big play receiver via free agency and the draft. Signing DeSean Jackson would be an immediate – dare I say insane – upgrade to the offense and give them the explosive play guy Koetter has been dying for.