The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might already be preparing for next season. The team has started the year 1-5 and showing little signs of improvement. The NFC South might still be anyone's game, but the Buccaneers are not looking like contenders unless a major turnaround happens. This has caused trade rumors surrounding some of their most consistent performers and as the trade deadline approaches, could Vincent Jackson be the first on the move?
The 2014 season has already seen one marquee mid-season trade as the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets finalized a deal for wide receiver Percy Harvin over the weekend. Now, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport is reporting that Jackson could be next. The Pro Bowler has 344 yards off 25 catches this season and is coming off two straight 1,200-yard receiving years. According to Rapoport, a trade of Jackson has nothing to do with his stats or character. He reports that head coach Lovie Smith loves Jackson, but the team must consider all moves right now as the losses pile up.
Dealing the wide receiver makes some sense for the Buccaneers despite the fact that Jackson is one of the reliable weapons on Tampa Bay's roster. The wide receiver is 31 and currently set to earn over $10 million in the next two seasons. His contract does not expire until 2017 which is a big commitment to an aging player. However, Smith addressed the trade rumors regarding Jackson and denied any truth to them.
"We like our football team that we're going with, that we have here right now," Smith said, via the Tampa Bay Times. "We're not trying to shop any of our players, to answer any questions out there. And it's people - if they call about some of their players, we take all calls. We don't (say), 'Oh, this area code? We're not going to take this call.' We listen to what everybody has to say, and we go from there. You see who's on our roster today. I would just kind of go with that."
Several teams could show interest in Jackson. The Cleveland Browns are certainly one of the teams. They remain a threat to make the playoffs, but will not get Josh Gordon back until Week 12. They could easily use the offensive upgrade. The Detroit Lions are dealing with issues regarding the health of Calvin Johnson and might take a look, although salary cap space could be an issue. The New Orleans Saints are another team that might show interest. Jimmy Graham is in and out of the lineup with Brandin Cooks being the only other reliable threat and he is a rookie. The Saints need an offensive upgrade and Jackson would do it.
