Veteran wideout DeSean Jackson requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the organization has pushed back against his demand.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, wide receiver DeSean Jackson has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Tampa Bay front office has refused to trade him up to this point.
Rapoport reported that Jackson wanted to find a team that could put his talents to better use. After a scorching hot start to the season, Jackson has cooled off since Jameis Winston took over the starting quarterback duties.
In his last two games, Jackson has caught six passes for 102 yards. Although those numbers aren’t bad by any stretch, they are minuscule compared to the ones he had to open the season.
#Bucs WR DeSean Jackson requested a trade from Tampa Bay, sources say. The team has resisted. But an intriguing name to watch. My story: https://t.co/CeoQcy5SAc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 28, 2018
With the general manager and head coach both on thin ice, the Buccaneers are desperate for success. Trading a player of Jackson’s caliber wouldn’t make much sense from their perspective.
However, Jackson’s contract has an out after this season according to spotrac.com. Contending teams could use him as a rental and dump his contract once the offseason hits. With the potential to free up cap room and Jackson’s frustration, there is a possibility that he still gets moved.
If Jackson does get moved, don’t expect much in return. A mid-round pick would likely be asking price with his age. Teams aren’t going to give up a high draft pick for a receiver well past 30.
At least for the rest of this season, Jackson has proven he can still produce, if the quarterback can get on the same page with him. In total, Jackson has racked up 526 yards on 23 catches. He also found the end zone four times this season.
The Bucs will miss Jackson’s ability to stretch the field, but there are other tremendous options to fill his void. Chris Godwin is a budding star, and Adam Humphries had consistently produced when called.