Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Trade Rumors: Buccaneers 'to Make a Strong Push' for DeSean Jackson
Technically speaking, DeSean Jackson is not a free agent yet. He's still with the Washington Redskins until Thursday, at 4 p.m. ET and the team will try to convince him to re-sign with them once the free agency period begins. But once he hits the market, one team in particular is going to go after him hard.
According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are planning "to make a strong push" for Jackson. Citing league sources, ESPN's Jenna Laine also reported that they are the early favorites to sign the wideout.
Furthermore, Lake Lewis Jr. of Redskins Wire has reported that Jackson is flying to Tampa when the legal tampering period begins to negotiate a deal. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Jackson is looking for a deal in the range of $10–12 million per year. With their salary cap space, the Buccaneers should have no problem giving him what he wants.
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Well, things are certainly moving fast. Quarterback Jameis Winston has been openly campaigning for the Buccaneers to sign Jackson, and he would love to have a wide receiver of that caliber. Just imagine how good they can be on offense with a lineup featuring Mike Evans, Russell Shepard, Cameron Brate and Jackson.
Aside from the Buccaneers, several other teams are pursuing Jackson as well. According to the Washington Post, the New England Patriots, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys are all possible landing sports for the wide receiver if he becomes a free agent. Of course, Jackson can still re-sign with the Redskins, but several sources say he's not expected to return to Washington.
The three-time Pro Bowler had 56 catches for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns last season. He has reached the 1,000-yard mark five times already in his career. Before he joined the Redskins in 2014, Jackson played for the Philadelphia Eagles for six seasons (2008 to 2013).
