New Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians wants DeSean Jackson back in 2019, but according to a report that’s not likely to happen.
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network shared what he’s learned on Good Morning Football Saturday.
“Bruce, you’ve got your work cut out for you, buddy,” Garafolo said, per NFL.com. “From what I gather, DeSean Jackson… So we’re focusing on Antonio Brown, this offseason, I believe this is going to be the No. 2 wide receiver storyline with DeSean Jackson.”
What we know so far: Jackson appears to have a beef with the organization that might not be repairable.
- The receiver asked for a trade toward the end of the 2018 season.
- When asked if he’s spoken to Arians yet, Jackson told TMZ Sports he had not and didn’t give a hint of anything that should give Bucs fans hope he’s eager to rejoin the team.
- Jackson still has a year left on his current contract, but none of his $10 million salary is guaranteed.
Looking ahead: If Jackson really doesn’t want to return, the Bucs would be wise to move on.
- The Jameis Winston/Jackson chemistry has never really materialized. He was excited to join the Bucs in 2017 but seems to be over it in Tampa Bay.
- There are other receivers the Bucs could land in free agency, such as John Brown of the Baltimore Ravens or Donte Moncrief, who fit the Arians push-the-ball-downfield mold to a T.