The Buccaneers took their first step in free agency on Thursday morning, when they agreed to term with veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
In an expected move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed a deep threat to line up opposite Mike Evans on Thursday when the team agreed to terms with the former Eagle and Redskin. The signing had been rumored since January when Jameis Winston stated that “he would love” to have DeSean become a member of the Buccaneers. Thursday the third-year quarterback got his wish, once again proving this is Jameis’ team.
#BOOMBOOMBOOM Prepare for Cannonfire!
WR DeSean Jackson agrees to terms!
Welcome to Tampa Bay! pic.twitter.com/UXBqZHlOKW— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 9, 2017
Desean Jackson brings a much-needed element of speed to the Buccaneer offense. Jackson, 30, averaged nearly 18 yards per catch on 56 receptions last year for the Washington Redskins in games. The three-time Pro Bowler has broke the 1,000 yard mark five times in his nine year career, and should help to redirect some of the attention opposing secondaries put on Mike Evans.
The contract between Jackson and the Bucs is for three years and $35 million, with $20 million of that guaranteed according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal for DeSean Jackson benefits both parties by allowing Jackson to play for a playoff contender and get paid well while doing so, and the Buccaneers land themselves a legitimate home run threat.Three years winds up being a perfect amount of time for the Buccaneers to find a younger replacement for him by the time Evans and Winston are in their primes.
The Jackson move was the most prolific of the Buccaneers moves on Thursday which included re-signing safety Chris Conte and running back Jacquizz Rodgers and bringing defensive tackle Chris Baker. The Buccaneers no doubt have a few more holes to fill, but as day one of free agency draws to an end the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made one point crystal clear. It’s time to take this club to the next level.
