Bruce Arians will try keep DeSean Jackson with Buccaneers

Bruce Arians will try to get DeSean Jackson to buy-in to his new philosophy as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians will try to “re-recruit” veteran wideout DeSean Jackson.

While Jackson may still be under contract with the Bucs, he was vocal about wanting to part ways with the organization at the end of the season.

Now that Arians is in charge, it may cause Jackson to have a change of heart. Arians had tremendous success with wideouts like John Brown and JJ Nelson in Arizona. Jackson would be a much better deep threat than those two.

Jackson would be a perfect fit in an Arians’ style offense. When Arians calls his patented deep shot, Jackson will get the looks he wants. Jackson led the league with 18.9 yards per catch last season, despite a quiet finish.

Last season, Jackson’s issues were mostly about how many targets he received on the field. Although Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to get him the ball early, defenses adjusted once Jameis Winston took over. The magic was gone.

Even in 2017, Winston had trouble getting Jackson the ball. Two disappointing seasons led most to believe that Jackson would be cut this offseason to free up $10 million in cap room.

Although that is still a possibility, Arians is a huge believer in second chances. If Arians like what he hears from Jackson, the veteran wideout could be back.

From a financial standpoint, bringing Jackson back could make some sense. Tampa Bay’s slot receiver Adam Humphries is an unrestricted free agent and could garner the same money Jackson is making.

There wouldn’t be a point in cutting Jackson if the Bucs are going to spend the money on another receiver. Again, Jackson would have to prove that he is going to be a team player. With Jackson bought-in, Bucs fans may see the best version of Jackson yet. Plus, he is in a contract year and could be in line for one more big payday, even at his age.

There is also the path that Arians will discuss restructuring Jackson’s contract to stay with the team. Any push back from Jackson’s camp could see him cut and sent into the free agent market.

Although getting a re-motivated Jackson back in the locker sounds like a great plan, it may be easier said than done. He may have already caused too much of a stir in the locker room before even to warrant bringing him back.