DeSean Jackson Sees The Buccaneers’ Potential

At the introductory press conference, DeSean Jackson spoke to what caught his eye about the Buccaneers and the potential for success in Tampa.

Thursday was about as exciting a day as Buccaneers fans have had since the drafting of Jameis Winston. Before that? Maybe the (in retrospect) ill-advised trade for Darrelle Revis. At the end of the day, there haven’t been too many off-season exciting moments for Bucs fans in recent years, but that’s all changed. DeSean Jackson is here.

Jackson was introduced to Tampa media – and fans via Buccaneers.com and the Buccaneers app – at a press conference this morning celebrating the signing of both him and Chris Baker. Jackson and Baker spoke for close to thirty minutes, taking questions about what brought them here and what experiences from their past they can bring with them.

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When asked what was so attractive about Tampa – outside of the gorgeous weather – Jackson simply spoke about the changes he’s witnessed and the potential he sees;

"“I think going back to last year, watching the playoffs and watching the runs. The Buccaneers and us (Washington Redskins), was kind of like, they would lose and we would lose, we would win and they would win. Seeing and keeping up with the playoff race as a Redskin last year, and Baker can tell you this, we were trying to do everything and anything we could to kind of get ahead of these dudes. They kept kind of, we would lose one day, they would win. We were like, ‘Damn,’ kept putting ourselves behind the eight ball. Just really keeping up with them and seeing what they’ve started last year, what they’re building here.Obviously with Jameis (Winston) coming in, I’ve been watching him since he’s been at Florida State. He’s young, talented, he has a lot of upside. Physicality, I think he’s a big guy at quarterback and he’s making some good decisions. Just the direction the team is going in since he’s gotten here, seeing that dramatic change. Being in the NFL it’s hard to focus on any other teams, you try to focus on what you have and what’s going on with your team. But you’re still aware, you go home on Sundays, you watch games, you watch NFL Network. To be able to see the Buccaneers, they’ve obviously made a drastic turn in where they’re going and where they’re heading to.”"

The win streak, Jameis Winston, Dirk Koetter, the change in culture is what led DeSean Jackson here. A team on the cusp of contention, finding that missing piece to really raise them up to the next level is something that has Bucs fans on the verge of hysteria.

Jackson opened up about what he brings to this team, especially lining up opposite a player like Mike Evans;

"“As far as receivers I’ve played with in the past, I feel like I’ve played with some pretty good receivers. Jeremy Maclin for five, six years when I was in Philly, Pierre Garcon is definitely a physical, durable receiver. I give them guys credit, they’ve done some great things. Fast forward now, Mike Evans. I don’t think I’ve ever played with a Mike Evans. I’m just intrigued man, to go out on the field, to have a quarterback like Jameis (Winston) that wants to throw deep. To have another guy like Mike on the other side, he’s what, 6’5”? I’m 5’10”. You’ve got a big guy who’s kind of fast, you’ve got a smaller guy that’s very fast. This guy right here, (points to Koetter) I know he’s licking his chops to get it going. I am too, though.”"

And finally, yes, DeSean was able to wrangle away the number eleven from Adam Humphries. Terms were not disclosed, but there’s a pretty funny exchange courtesy of the Pat and Aaron Show from 620 WDAE (audio below) regarding the number swap.

Next: Bucs Sign Safety JJ Wilcox

After his press conference, Jackson spoke with Bucs’ reporter Casey Philips and ended his interview simply with, “I’m excited to get started. Can we get started with football, like, tomorrow?”

We wish, DeSean…we wish.