The Buccaneers announced shortly after the start of the new league year that they’ve signed DeSean Jackson to a multi-year deal.
“DeSean is exactly the type of dynamic playmaker we have been targeting for our offense,” coach Dirk Koetter said in a statement. “Desean brings a veteran presence and a big-play mentality that fits in perfectly with our offensive philosophy. He is a tough-minded competitor who has the game-breaking speed and pass-catching ability that stretches the defense and creates matchup problems.”
The development comes a day after the 49ers and Pierre Garcon reportedly agreed to a contract that will pay him $16 million in the first year, meaning the Redskins are down two starting wide receivers and quite possibly their franchise quarterback.
Most likely outcome as of last night was DeSean Jackson going to the Bucs, but the Skins are hopeful of preventing that
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
For now, that leaves Jamison Crowder, Ryan Grant, Maurice Harris, Josh Doctson and Reggie Diggs to pick up the pieces at wide receiver, though the depth chart will certainly change in the coming weeks and months.
For the Buccaneers, they’ll have one of the best deep threats in the game to play alongside Mike Evans, a former first-round pick who ranked sixth in total value among all wideouts last season, according to Football Outsiders’ metrics. (Jackson ranked 12th.) There’s also tight end Cameron Brate (seventh in total value among TEs). If Tampa Bay can add a dynamic backfield weapon like, say, Florida State running back Dalvin Cook (we have the Bucs taking him with the 19th pick in our latest mock draft), Jameis Winston’s life suddenly gets immeasurably easier.
The Bucs, whose offense ranked 18th last season, are in the market for game-changers, and Jackson checks all the boxes.
