NFL Free Agency Rumors: Why Vincent Jackson to Tampa Bay Makes Sense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gone through a transformation that can only be described as necessary.

After a year that saw former head coach Raheem Morris lose control of his team and the Buccaneers stumble to a 4-12 season after winning 10 games in 2010, something needed to be done to not only shake up the team, but also give the fanbase something to look forward to.

The team hired Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano as Morris' replacement and are heading into free agency with money to spend. While the offense does have some key components in place with quarterback Josh Freeman, running back LeGarrette Blount and wide receiver Arrelious Benn, more could be done to bolster Tampa Bay's offense. Another receiver would go a long way toward improving the passing game and helping to re-establish Blount as one of the better young backs in the league.

According to NESN.com, Vincent Jackson, the big receiving target from the San Diego Chargers, is expected to sign with the Bucs, giving both Schiano and Freeman a reason to smile.

At 6'5", Jackson immediately becomes the go-to target this team has been looking for.

Tampa Bay is one of those young teams that is plodding through the NFL searching for an identity. While Freeman may be regarded as one of the better young passers in the league, receivers like Benn do not strike fear in opposing defenses.

Jackson, who also becomes a tall end zone target, immediately makes teams in the NFC South and across the NFL stand up and take notice of what the Buccaneers have in mind once they get into the red zone.

The move should help Freeman improve his game. The third-year quarterback threw for 16 touchdowns last season, but did suffer 22 interceptions. He did, however, throw for 3,600 yards and completed 63 percent of his passes.

The signing of Jackson will also help Tampa Bay compete in a pass-happy NFC South where New Orleans, Carolina, and Atlanta all have strong-armed quarterbacks and dependable receivers.