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DeSean Jackson Set To Join Tampa Bay Buccaneers In Free Agency

By Jacob Camenker

Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Losing DeSean Jackson always felt like a foregone conclusion for the Washington Redskins. On Thursday, it was confirmed that the speedy wide receiver would be joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the past two days, the Washington Redskins have lost their top two receivers from the 2016 season. After Pierre Garcon signed a huge deal with the San Francisco 49ers yesterday, it was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that DeSean Jackson was going to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Financial terms of the deal were not yet disclosed.

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In Tampa Bay, Jackson is going to have a chance to function as the No. 2 receiver, which is something that he has never done in his career. With Mike Evans, a Pro Bowl receiver with a penchant for making jump ball catches, established as the top option, Jackson will be able to find some success. Presumably, the opposing team’s best cornerbacks will cover Evans and allow Jackson to match up with the lower level players. Thanks to his game breaking speed, Jackson could cause them some problems and really help the Buccaneers.

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Jackson will also get a chance to work with up-and-coming franchise quarterback Jameis Winston. The signal caller made some strides during his second season despite lacking a true No. 2 receiver across from Evans. With Jackson, Winston will be able to use his arm strength to blow the top off the defense and really make an impact. The offense for the Bucs looks like a potential playoff caliber unit if they can find a productive running back.

For the Redskins, this loss means that the top two receivers on the roster are currently talented slot man Jamison Crowder, and the unproven first rounder Josh Doctson. The duo could put forth some solid production, but the team really needs to try and get a third receiver to replace the production. They are likely going to have to take one in the NFL Draft now, and they could have interest in Zay Jones of East Carolina or Ardarius Stewart of Alabama.

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Regardless of the Redskins’ current lack of depth at receiver, this was a move that was always going to happen. They never wanted to overpay to keep Jackson, and were morel likely to keep Garcon. However, each priced themselves out of the Redskins range, and as a result, the Redskins were forced to move on.

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