Vincent Jackson Rumors: Why Buccaneers Must Sign Star WR to Improve Passing Game

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers must open their checkbook and pay star free-agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson the money it will take to sign him long-term, because the team's passing game needs a big time boost.

According to Yahoo! Sports, the Bucs are one of several teams expected to pursue Jackson when the NFL free agency period kicks off Tuesday afternoon.

With quarterback Josh Freeman not having a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver to throw to, the Buccaneers' passing offense isn't as effective as it should be.

Last year, the Bucs' passing attack ranked 16th in the league with 228 passing yards per game, but with Jackson, the Tampa Bay passing offense could easily move into the top 10 next season.

The Bucs have a lot of needs to address coming off a disappointing 4-12 season. But with over $40 million in salary cap space to work with in free agency, finding a big-name receiver who can dominate a defense has to be priority one.

At 6'5" and 230 pounds, Jackson has a unique combination of size and speed that makes him very difficult for defensive players to contain, even elite cornerbacks. He is able to stretch the field with his tremendous speed, and his 18.4 yards-per-catch average last season proves he's a deep threat who can stretch the field for the Bucs' passing offense.

At 29 years old, Jackson is in the prime of his career, and I cannot see him regressing from his elite status anytime soon. Despite some recent injuries, Jackson is still a lock for 1,000 yards receiving and close to 10 touchdowns. Even when he's hurt, he will often tough through the pain and play anyway.

Freeman needs a top tier receiver to use on offense, and Jackson is one of the few real No. 1 receivers available on the market. He would instantly improve the Bucs' passing game in several areas, which makes signing him when free agency begins a no-brainer for Tampa Bay.

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