DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers split appears all too likely

Given recent reports and the money they could save, it’s easy to connect the dots that a DeSean Jackson and Tampa Bay Buccaneers split is coming.

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed DeSean Jackson, the hope was that he’d give quarterback Jameis Winston a deep threat. After all, the speedy wideout had been that throughout his career. However, as things have turned out differently in that regard, it appears like Jackson might not be playing in Tampa Bay in 2019.

For starters, FanSided’s Matt Verderame reported on Thursday that Jackson and Winston were at odds for much of the 2018 season. Furthermore, Verderame noted in his report that the wide receiver is not going to take a pay cut to stay with the Buccaneers. Given that he’s due $10 million for 2019, that in itself could be a deal-breaker.

If that weren’t enough, though, the Buccaneers could be strapped for cap space in 2019. According to Over The Cap, Tampa Bay has just $17.5 million in space as things currently stand. That number could increase further depending on the direction they move with offensive tackle Donovan Smith, as noted by Cory Kinnan on The Pewter Plank.

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What makes that interesting, however, is that the Buccaneers would save all of the $10 million that they owe Jackson if they cut him prior to June 1. Given their situation, that would be a major addition to the money they have to operate with in free agency.

Despite the fact that, as also mentioned by Kinnan on The Pewter Plank, that Winston said that Jackson would be back on Instagram Live, the writing on the wall says otherwise at this point. If the player is unhappy with his quarterback, if the team can save $10 million when they are strapped for cap space and if the player hasn’t been as productive as expected in Tampa Bay, it would truthfully be irresponsible for the front office to bring him back.

For teams that aren’t the Buccaneers, there is still value in having the 32-year old Jackson on the roster. While Ryan Fitzpatrick started for the Bucs last season, Jackson looked like the deep threat of old. It was when Winston returned to the fold that his production dipped back to disappointing levels that he maintained throughout the 2017 season.

Regardless of that, though, the smart money would be on Jackson not playing in Tampa Bay next season. That’s where all the signs are pointing right now and, unless something drastically changes, that will remain the case.