Tampa Bay Buccaneers Reportedly Ink Stud WR Vincent Jackson to Deal

The 2012 NFL free-agency period is off to a roaring start, thanks to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Bucs have already inked wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a new deal:

"

Bucs getting after it. Reach agreement with WR Vincent Jackson & making push for Curtis Lofton & Carl Nicks.

— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncanTP) March 13, 2012"

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the signing later on Tuesday night:

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Vincent Jackson agreed to five-year deal in Tampa with Bucs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012"

The two-time Pro Bowler spent his first seven seasons with the San Diego Chargers, for whom he topped the 1,000-yard mark three times. He joins a passing offense that ranked 24th in the league last year, per Football Outsiders.

The market for wide receivers was quick to coalesce around V-Jax at the opening of free agency on Tuesday. The Chicago Bears, who were expected to be in the running for Jackson's services, moved instead to acquire Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins for two third-round picks as reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.

The New Orleans Saints, rather than dip into the unknown, decided to keep Marques Colston on board for five more years (per ESPN). The Washington Redskins, meanwhile, filled their dearth of pass-catchers with cheaper options in anticipation of a hefty cap penalty coming from the league offices. Pierre Garcon said on his Facebook page that he plans to sign with the Redskins, and Adam Schefter reports they are close to signing Josh Morgan as well.

The Bucs still have a ways to go before they can consider themselves so much as a marginal playoff contender, though signing Jackson is a solid step in the right direction. He'll serve as a go-to receiver for Josh Freeman, who's struggled with inconsistency behind a makeshift offensive line and the absence of a top-notch set of hands on the other end of his throws.

That, in itself, should help Freeman to finally take a much-needed step forward in his development and in turn set Tampa back on the winning track.

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