NFL Rumors: Speculation Surrounding Fred Jackson, Tim Jennings and More

The NFL’s version of Christmas is right around the corner when the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the regular season Sept. 10, and plenty of teams are doing some last-minute shopping.

Thanks to roster cuts and number restrictions, a number of veteran playmakers hit the open market during the final week of the preseason. Rumors and speculation naturally arose in the aftermath as various squads attempt to fill different needs with outside help. 

With that in mind, here is a look at the recent buzz surrounding Fred Jackson, Tim Jennings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line.

Fred Jackson Could Join Marshawn Lynch in the Backfield

Fred Jackson was as much of a Buffalo Bills staple over the past few years as throwback Jim Kelly jerseys and snowy December games. However, the 34-year-old veteran was released this offseason after debuting with the team in 2007, and he is now in search of a new home. 

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com noted one landing spot could be in the Pacific Northwest:

This makes sense from a talent standpoint, considering Jackson boasts 5,646 career rushing yards and 80 touchdowns on the ground in his career, but there is more to Seattle’s interest. Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times pointed out Robert Turbin is dealing with health concerns:

The Seahawks need an insurance policy behind Marshawn Lynch if Turbin’s injury lingers into the regular season, and Jackson is an ideal candidate. Despite his age, the former Bill is still relatively fresh with just 1,279 career carries after splitting time with other running backs in Buffalo. He is also a threat out of the backfield in the passing attack (66 catches last season). 

However, head coach Pete Carroll cautioned not to jump to any conclusions just yet, per the team's official Twitter account:

Even if it was just a visit, this is an ideal pairing. Lynch is appropriately nicknamed Beast Mode because of his physical running style, but he is 29 years old with 2,033 career carries under his belt. Even Lynch could use the occasional breather, and the veteran Jackson is capable of providing just that.

Tim Jennings to Reunite with Former Coach? 

The Chicago Bears released cornerback Tim Jennings this offseason, but he could join a defensive backfield in Tampa Bay that already has a distinctive Windy City flair, given this update from Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports:  

Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith coached the Bears when they added Jennings in 2010, and he was still there when the cornerback turned into a Pro Bowl player in 2012. Jennings wouldn’t be the first former Chicago defender to join Smith in Tampa Bay either, as safeties Chris Conte and Major Wright now don Buccaneers red on Sundays.

Jennings failed to notch an interception in 2014 and was part of a Chicago secondary that consistently struggled (30th in the league against the pass), but he is also a two-time Pro Bowler who picked off a combined 13 passes in 2012 and 2013.

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

His prime may be behind him, but Jennings played some of the best football of his career in Smith’s system. Perhaps reuniting in Tampa Bay would be the best thing for the veteran’s production and a Buccaneers secondary that finished a disappointing 28th in the league against the pass in 2014. 

That defensive unit could use another veteran presence in Jennings as it strives for much-needed improvement this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Doing Some Preseason Shopping

George Gojkovich/Getty Images

The potential addition of Jennings isn’t the only thing on Tampa Bay’s to-do list before the start of the regular season. 

Pro Football Focus ranked the Buccaneers offensive line as the 25th-best unit in the league last year, and it didn’t look much better in a recent 31-7 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns when it allowed six sacks. Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 The Team pointed out the front office will try to do something about the struggles:

Offensive line play takes on even more importance this year for the Buccaneers because rookie Jameis Winston will line up under center. Tampa Bay needs to protect the rookie quarterback as he adapts to the NFL’s speed and talent level.

While the former Florida State Seminole’s ability to make plays with his legs will help when the pocket collapses, it would be unreasonable to expect much development without the proper protection.

What’s more, running back Doug Martin is healthy again after injuries limited his production in 2013 and 2014. He isn’t far removed from a rookie season in 2012 that saw him rack up 1,454 rushing yards, 472 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns, but the only way to replicate that production is with solid play up front.

Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes start with the offensive line, and it appears the front office is willing to make the necessary additions to address any struggles.