More news is emerging regarding DeSean Jackson and the likelihood he signs a deal to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We had a story yesterday about the rumor swirling at the Combine among those in attendance was that DeSean Jackson will be joining the Buccaneers in free agency this year. Now, more news has come out regarding this coming to fruition.
Lake Lewis Jr. of Redskins Wire – a division of USA Today – has said that Jackson will be flying to Tampa when the legal tampering period begins next week to see what can be worked out. Lewis states;
"“Jackson could be signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the beginning of the free agency signing period which is Thursday, March 9th. I was told he is flying to Tampa mid-week during the “legal tampering” period where free agents can negotiate openly with other teams.”"
All signs point to Jackson being the big name free agent the Bucs not only covet but are willing to go all in on. It’s one thing to open up lines of communication with agents and representatives but it’s a whole new ball game when the player flies to the team’s facility. Typically, when the Bucs fly a guy to Tampa they don’t leave.
Jackson is coming off his fifth 1,000 yard season – his second in three seasons with the Redskins – and is viewed as the deep threat the Bucs have been missing. The current number being floated around is that Jackson will get in the range of $12 million per year in free agency. That’s a steep price for a free agent receiver over 30 years old but the Bucs have the money to spend.
It also says what the Bucs feel about their team right now. They’re in “win now” mode. They feel with the right free agent additions and hitting in the draft, they can make a playoff run in 2017.
Next: Bucs Should Say No To Brandon Marshall
Jackson certainly wouldn’t be their only signing and it’ll be interesting to see what else Jason Licht has up his sleeve when the legal tampering period begins March 7 and free agency officially kicks off March 9.