NFL Free Agent Signings: Landing Vincent Jackson Makes Buccaneers Contenders

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to make a big splash in free agency and have reportedly done just that. According to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, they have reached an agreement with coveted free agent receiver Vincent Jackson:

"

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

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

Assuming the report is true, this is a huge step in erasing the painful memories of the 2011 season. From 10-6 to 4-12, the Bucs experienced one of the most dramatic drops last season and it wasn’t clear if players were ready to jump ship and avoid what became a toxic situation.

The signing of Jackson would indicate that stars aren’t afraid to sign with the Bucs. Jackson was far-and-away the top receiver on the market and had been rumored to sign with the Chicago Bears before they traded for Brandon Marshall.

The Bucs are $44.3M under the cap and have to make a big splash. Landing Nicks would be an incredible addition as well, but is sounds like Lofton is no longer an option according to the NFL Spin Zone:

"

Buccaneers are focusing on Vincent jackson and Carl Nicks. Not so sure Lofton is in their plans anymore.

— NFL Spin Zone (@NFLSpinZone) March 13, 2012"

Either way, there is reason to be excited in Tampa Bay. The Bucs had the 26^th ranked offense in the league last year according to Football Outsiders and the receiving core was one of the big problems.

Aside from Mike Williams’ 65 receptions and 771 yards, no other wide receiver registered over 40 receptions or 555 yards.  In fact, only four receivers registered more than 30 catches in 2011. The depth was brutal and it became a glaring issue.

With Jackson, QB Josh Freeman has a deep threat that also runs an incredibly crisp 15-yard slant. The 29 year old brings six years of experience and maturity to a team that could sorely use some.

Jackson has topped the 1,000-yard mark in three of the last four years and the only year he didn’t was because of a lengthy contract holdout that saw him play a mere five games. In 2011 he caught 60 passes for 1,106 yards and tied a career high with nine touchdowns.

This is just what the doctor ordered for the Bucs and it now looks like the rebuilding process is going to be much quicker than previously expected.

Funny how landing the top available receiver will do that for a team.

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