*Updated at 12:01PM EST to reflect latest reports.
It has been reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been actively shopping WR DeSean Jackson. A potential trade partner could be the Philadelphia Eagles per ESPN’s Jenna Laine & Tim McManus.
Sources tell @Tim_McManus and me that the Bucs have been shopping DeSean Jackson and that Philadelphia would be a preferred destination for the 32-year-old receiver https://t.co/8eCDHlg9Pn
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 11, 2019
Jackson is under contract with the Bucs through 2019, and is due to make $10 million in non-guaranteed money. Even though the Eagles may be the preferred destination for Jackson. Many league sources are rumored to believe that it’s more likely that he is released rather than traded.
It is not hard to see why after watching the deteriorating relationship between Jackson and the Bucs last season, and for the fact that with no guaranteed money in 2019 it leaves the Bucs with little trade leverage.
The trade leverage that they do have is in the remarks of Bruce Arians who reportedly would like to retain Jackson for next season. With that said, the Bucs front office is fielding trade offers anyways in an attempt to clear cap space, and potentially draft picks in return.
There are now reports from ESPN’s Jenna Laine and Diana Russini stating as much.
A few teams I've talked to have said they have interest in DeSean Jackson but not at the current $10 million contract. They believe the Bucs will eventually cut him and he can be signed at a lower/more cap-friendly price. https://t.co/BD71ByPNTQ
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 11, 2019
The thought process that interested teams are waiting because the are betting on the Bucs releasing Jackson is the smart move. As why would a team give up potential picks if it isn’t absolutely necessary.
If they Bucs are able to clear Jackson’s $10 million salary it would go a long way in helping retain one of two key free agents in Kwon Alexander and Adam Humphries.
Stay tuned to BucsReport.com as the Jackson trade deal develops.
