Swashbuckling: 5 Reasons The Tampa Bay Bucs Should Trade for Vincent Jackson

For a number of reasons, Vincent Jackson has yet to play a game this year in the NFL.

After violating the league's substance abuse policy which caused him to miss 3 games at the start of the season, VJ has yet to sign a contract offer put forward by his team; The San Diego Chargers.

With the trade rumours starting to circulate, I have decided to put my 2 cents' worth in.

Here are five reasons why I believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Yes THEM) should make a trade for the Pro-Bowler.

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#1 Jackson Wants To Leave

Harry How/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 29: Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers runs for 12 yeards on a reverse aroundTamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on November 29, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by H

If it's week 5 of a 16 week season and your player still hasn't signed, it's pretty obvious he wants to leave. 

And so the trade rumours began:

But with the news that both the Washington Redskins and The New England Patriots aren't trading for VJ, this is a golden chance for Tampa to snatch up a Pro-Bowler.

If Jackson is so desperate to leave, he wouldn't mind moving to a "bottom dweller" like Tampa would he?

#2 Pro Bowler for Draft Picks

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looks on as he stands on stage during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The title says it all.

But think about it:

If players like Donovan McNabb and Randy Moss are going for 3rd round or lower draft picks, VJ could be snapped up for as little as a 3rd or 4th round pick.

All that talent for a 4th rounder, what has the NFL come to?

And although the Bucs are rebuilding and draft picks are like gold to rebuilding teams, it's a small price to pay for...

#3 A Legit Superstar for Tampa Bay

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Gerald McCoy from the Oklahoma Sooners holds a Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey after he was selected by the Buccaneers number 3 overall during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York C

Not since the days of Warren Sapp have the Bucs had a TRUE superstar and VJ could just be that for them.

VJ is only 27 and is just entering his peak. He has already made his first Pro Bowl and could be in store for many more in the coming years.

If he continues to improve, Jackson could become a top-5 WR in the the whole NFL (you heard it here first!)

He could become a top-seller in jersey sales and the Bucs would finally have their poster boy, just like the Saints have Brees, the Colts have Manning etc.

#4 Mentor for Mike Williams

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs after a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Taken in the 4th Round this year, Mike Williams is already looking like the steal of the draft.

Thrust straight into the Bucs' lineup as their No.1 receiver, Williams has already put up: 238 Yards receiving and scored 3 TDs. Impressive numbers for a 4th round rookie.

But if VJ comes to the Sunshine State, everything becomes a lot easier for him.

Jackson can mentor Williams into becoming a better WR whilst also drawing more coverage which leaves Williams more open for catches.

Between the two of them, they could become a great 1-2 combo for Tampa.

#5 Another Weapon for Josh Freeman

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Whilst Josh Freeman has shown a nice deal of promise, he is far from the finished article.

And what better way to speed up his development then by giving him a Pro-Bowler to throw to?

Whilst Kellen Winslow and Mike WIlliams are decent options, VJ would definitely give Freeman and the Tampa Bay offense another dimension.

And if Freeman gets better, can he lead the up-start Bucs to their first playoff berth in nearly 3 years?

What Do You Think?

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 10: Stylez G. White #91 and Kyle Moore #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate with teammate Cody Grimm #35 of the Buccaneers after Grimm's 11-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first half against the Cincinnati Be

Well there are my ideas and what do you guys think?

Should the Bucs trade for Jackson? Or have i just came up with a load of rubbish?

Drop me a line in the comments below.

As always I love to hear what you guys have to say.