According to reports, free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson will sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the deal this morning.
Former Washington WR DeSean Jackson expects to sign with Tampa assuming no breakdown in final negotiations,… https://t.co/brYefpKUUq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017
WR DeSean Jackson is indeed heading to #Buccaneers. His 17.9 yds per catch was tops in NFL. Gonna make a lethal combo w/ Mike Evans.
— Will Selva (@WillSelvaTV) March 9, 2017
Report: DeSean Jackson Will Sign With The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson has spent the last three seasons with the Washington Redskins, providing a veteran target for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jackson is known around the league as being a deep threat with the ability to blow past any defensive back on any given play, as proven by his 17.7 yards per reception last season.
Jackson made his own comeback season last year after missing six games in 2015. He eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the year, in tandem with Pierre Garcon as a one-two punch. As usual, he showcased his speed and playmaking ability with 19 receptions of 20 yards or more, ranking sixth in the NFL.
DeSean Jackson’s prime was in Philadelphia under Andy Reid. After an amazing rookie performance in 2008 where the Eagles reached the NFC Championship game, he never looked back. In six seasons, he recorded 356 receptions for over 6,000 receiving yards and 32 receiving touchdowns. He achieved three Pro Bowls in six years in Philadelphia, averaging over 1,000 receiving yards per season. Jackson helped propel the Eagles to three more playoff seasons after 2008 before leaving for Washington.
Perhaps Jackson’s best moment in Philadelphia came during the 2010 season. During a game now known as “The Miracle at the New Meadowlands,” Jackson sealed an improbable comeback against the division rival New York Giants with an electric punt return. With 28 seconds left to play, Giants punter Matt Dodge made the mistake of punting the ball to Jackson instead of punting the ball out of bounds, and Jackson made him pay.
Jackson will obviously be a key addition to the wide receiving corps, adding speed and outstanding play making ability. He is also very versatile, being able to run the ball on sweeps, return punts and kicks, and be effective with screen passes.
