Could Vincent Jackson Return?
January 3rd, 2017
Door still open?
Joe is pretty sure veteran wide receiver Vincent Jackson is done with the Bucs.
Winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter may see things differently.
In his State of the Bucs address Monday to close the season, Koetter seemed inclined to keep the door open if Jackson, who now has deep roots in the Tampa Bay community, wants to give to extend his career.
“I haven’t talked to Vincent specifically about future, I’ve had some conversations with Vincent along the way,” Koetter said. “Vincent’s had a tremendous career in the NFL to this point and one of the most respected guys, not only on our team, but in the league. [A] team captain and I’m sorry that it ended the way it did for Vincent this year.
“That’s one of the things I think hurt us, offensively, is not having Vincent out there, not having his presence out there on the other side from Mike [Evans]. His contract is up at the end of the year and I’m sure that’s one of the questions that [General Manager] Jason [Licht] and I will be talking about in the coming days.”
Jackson, who will be 34 this month, missed eight games last season with bum knees and this season was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury. And it wasn’t like Jackson was lighting up defenses before his injury. He looked every bit the race horse who had seen the end of the line.
From Koetter’s words since he came to the Bucs as an offensive coordinator, he has deep respect for Jackson. Just given how Jackson played before his knee injury, Joe isn’t sure Jackson could start for the Bucs if Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht spends on some Team Glazer loot on a quality receiver this offseason.
Would Jackson be quality depth? Perhaps.
Would Jackson return to the Bucs in a reserve role? That’s a different animal.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:03 pm
No No No No No. We need some speed and a reliable target at the WR2. Take that money and use it on DJax instead of VJax. That investment would go a long way.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:08 pm
His bank account might say “yes” but his body is loudly saying “NO!”
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:11 pm
NO
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:17 pm
It sounded to me as if Dirk’s response was more political than it was leading. He could’ve been laying the foundation for VJax’s return, but while Dirk is brutally honest most of the time, he’s also has compassion for the guys who play (and have played) for him (see Doug Martin). Change a few words here or there, it would have sounded as if he was calling dude a broken down receiver with no shot at making any team’s roster. He decided to take the high road instead.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Aw Hells na!!!!!!
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Return to he can steal more $$$. No thanks.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:18 pm
If your going to go after a Washington receiver it should be Pierre Garcon not D Jackson. He might not be as fast but has proven he can get open without top end speed and that is a skill we need here. Then get a pure speed receiver in the draft as the younger the better with speed cause when it goes the player drops off quickly.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:20 pm
I’d take him back, just to provide dept for one more year, but He’ll have to take a major pay cut.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:20 pm
Love the guy. Can’t stay on the field. We need a reliable, young, top flight WR.
First or second round.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:24 pm
I would sure like to know what was going on with VJax at the beginning of this year. Something was wrong – and it seemed like he had an attitude problem. Maybe he was just pissed that his skills have deteriorated so rapidly which is what it sure looked like – but methinks there was something else behind the scenes going on…
Time to move on unless Vincent is willing to sign a 1 year deal for $2-3M and understands that he will have to fight for a spot on the roster as #3 or #4 receiver to earn it. Only in that case, it would make sense to bring him back.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:30 pm
I like VJax but he either never recovered from his knee injury last year or he doesn’t have much left in his tank. I’d say they need to move on.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Stealing money?! C’mon man! I guess you forgot about the first 3 seasons he was here. The guy’s been nothing but class. How about we show him a little too.
There’s no question that the Bucs need another #2. I don’t know if VJax has enough in the tank to stick around. It’d be a nice story but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Getting old is NOT for wimps!!!
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Love VJax but no. Need more speed and playmaking.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:48 pm
No thanks, VJAX. Enjoy spending the $55,555,555 that you earned from the Bucs during your retirement.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Come back to injure himself again. Maybe on a pay per catch deal.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Had he stayed healthy, and had a typical Vjax season, we would be looking forward to a playoff game.
January 3rd, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Dump this washed up hack. Nice career for v-jax. He made a small fortune and now time for him to enjoy it. The Bucs need speed. Simple as that.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Bringing Vjax back as a number 4 receiver cant hurt. Especially on a cheap 1 year contract. We can still draft one and sign a FA.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:09 pm
This has to be a joke. There is zero logic in bringing VJAX back.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Some of you are a bunch of good for nothing arse holes. You quickly forget how he came to Tampa, had 3 straight fantastic seasons without missing a game, and completely embraced this community. Then you have the nerve to say he was stealing money? What a disgrace to the real fans of this team.
Vincent’s days as a big time receiver are probably gone. However, if he wants to he could still probably provide solid depth, along with his leadership he has provided in the locker room. Would you rather have him or Dontae Dye in a big game? He obviously didn’t look good, but don’t forget he got wide open several times late against the Rams, but was overthrown. Don’t forget he made a critical third down catch on the last drive to beat Carolina. He may not be what he used to be, but I would love to have him back as a backup role.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:18 pm
Hawaiian is right. Personally I would offer him no more than 2 mil to come back as depth & a mentor to our younger guys. Doubt he accepts but it’s worth a shot.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:20 pm
Like what you said ndog.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:24 pm
No thanks, forget his knees he can’t even get his head turned around to look for the ball. I hear the Patriots are hiring though, best wishes Vjax.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:27 pm
I’d like to see VJax return, however, you’re right Joe: he looked slow and tired before the injury.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Will the Falcons bring back Roddy White? Will the Saints bring back Marques Colston? Will Carolina bring back Steve Smith? These players were great players for their teams ( Our Division Rivals). But they got too old and had to be replaced. There is no loyalty in the NFL, players are like an Old Racehorse. When he get too old, it’s the pasture for him.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Since he cant play special teams, I would say no, but if we roll out Donte Dye or Bernard Reedy, give me V-Jax even at his age. I wonder if a difference could’ve ben made if V-Jax was healthy enough for those last few games since C. Simms wound back up on IR again. Not sure if he would not have.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:38 pm
Thank you Hawaiian, my sentiments exactly. VJax is a totally class act. Obviously couldn’t come back as a primary receiver, but as a backup, why not? Look at who the Bucs were using this year as backups from mid-season on. Even if we pick up a legit #2 WR, and draft another WR, VJAX could still contribute in specific situations. I can see ME13, Shepard and Humphries making next year’s team, but even if we pick up 2 WR in FA/draft, we could still use a 6th WR like VJax. Bucs seem to have terrible luck keeping WRs on the field for some reason.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:49 pm
And Lakeland man o man them weapons in ATL be coming in waves. Jones on one side Sanu on the Other,speedster Gabriel and Hardy in the slot. Not too mention Freeman and Coleman coming out the backfield. And don’t act like you see Freeman go 75 yards last weekend. (DC 3x the player he is) but y’all gone keep stock piling O linemen if you want to.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:57 pm
No Reason we can’t use him inside at TE to pair with Brate to create some good mismatches.
January 3rd, 2017 at 4:58 pm
How many hundred yard games did he have when he was healthy? Like these last two years? 0? Nuff said.
2016
5 games, 15 catches, 34ypg, 0TDs
2015
10 games, 33 catches, 54ypg, 3TDs
But he’s a nice guy so let’s see if nice guys can help us WIN, nope they can’t. Been there, done that, got the ice cream cone. But that you for your opinion. Bye Felicia.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:22 pm
no way! love the guy but a #2? eh nooo and a slot receiver gets destroyed in this league especially if the QB likes to throw high a lot or lead them too much *cough Winston *cough
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Not to play an intragul part in the offense. But if he is quality depth then yeah. Better than dye for sure. Wish we would have had someone of his caliber in the last 4 games this year that’s for sure, but not for 10 mil.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:24 pm
@DB55,
Again, I’m not saying he’s a #1, or even a #2 or #3. But as a 4 or a 5, absolutely. He doesn’t need to have 100 yard games if he’s a #4. Nobody is saying we should bring him back because he’s nice. I would consider bringing him back if he’s healthy and willing to take a huge pay cut. It’s doubtful either would happen, but would you really be surprised if he went to New England and was very successful?
And not that it matters, but he did have a 150 yard game last year, plus 2 more at 76 and 87, so I wouldn’t say he was completely worthless last year.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:27 pm
He could very easily be what Anquan Boldin has been in Detroit. But I guess you’d rather have Cecil Shorts and Freddie Martino in his place.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:27 pm
When you have a 22 year old QB and the opportunity to build something that lasts a decade – does anyone realize just how rare that is? – you do not fill the skill positions with aging stopgaps. The Bucs have Evans and Brate in place – now go go find two more young options that can grow with them and build a dynamic chemistry.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:32 pm
@Tony in Los Angeles,
You couldn’t be more wrong. A young QB’s best friend is a savvy vet at WR. You don’t think Vincent Jackson has helped Jameis in the film room and on the practice field? Have you ever actually watched a Jameis interview? If Jameis were 35 I would agree with you, but at 22 it’s EXACTLY what he needs.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Several Mock Drafts I have read have us picking John Ross WR out of Washington. Combine this kids speed with Evans and Brate, throw in some Humphries and we could become an offensive juggernaut.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:40 pm
No reason to count out a return from jackson…however, it better not be as our no. 2 reciever. He should come back as a situational 3rd down and wnd zone target. Only for the right price though.
If he decided he wanted to be a part of the growth for this team and help the team, I would sign him, but if he is looking for a big payday, I dont see anyone giving him that.
I predict he will either sign a one year deal with us or retire.
January 3rd, 2017 at 5:55 pm
I’m completely understanding of all of you who vote no on V Jax continuing his career with the Bucs. In fact, I am among those that think he’s run his last race. However, please don’t bring that stealing Bucs money noise. This dude balled out for the majority of his contract with the Bucs and helped guide our elite WR. He earned that money and I have nothing but love and respect for V Jax.
January 3rd, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Reserve receivers are basically required to play special teams. Jackson won’t play special teams. He’s not coming back.
January 3rd, 2017 at 6:36 pm
Loookayear, The body can only rake so much. Vincent Jackson was good for a long time. He’s seen his best days. Its all downhill for him. I would only bring him back at a very reduced salary. And Vince ain’t havin that. So its best to part ways with him. If He’s as smart as I think he is, He’ll retire on his own. I like the guy. He’s been a class act wherever he’s played. But when its time to go…Its time! Good Luck Vincent.
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:03 pm
If he’s fit and we limit his reps, and pay him like 2 million, he’s still got some clutch in him, plus he’s a positive in the locker room. I don’t bring him back as a #2… More like a #3-4. Even though he’s slowed, he’s got the veteran knowledge and could contribute. I don’t see why you wouldn’t bring him back for the right price (and no guaranteed money). He could mentor the new #2 (who should come in the first round).
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:04 pm
I have nothing but love and respect for Vincent Jackson. I was a little concerned about his previous DUI arrest in San Diego, but he put all that crap to bed, and became a pillar of the Tampa Bay Community.
I think he is going to retire, but who knows, maybe he takes a big pay cut, and stays on the team ?
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Depends what they bring in at that position and if he wants to play for a fraction of what he’s used to on a non-guaranteed contract.
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:33 pm
Love VJax, but can he play special teams? Only then can I see him coming back, so it’s doubtful
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Bring him back if healthy as a 3, evans, brate vjax, draft clemson mike williams there are some weapons for americas qb
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Why cant he be that Ike Hilliard that comes in as the fourth reciever against a teams 4th best corner on 3rd down and move the chains. But what the hell do i know or remember
January 3rd, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Looking at the WR FA pool and realizing almost EVERYONE in the NFL has a ton of money AND considering because of how shallow this poll is that VJ is one of the better options out there, it makes sense to bring him back. Just don’t count on him being a full-time player since he’ll certainly get injured again. I do think VJ if he could stay healthy would really want to make sure his career didn’t end in Tampa the way this season did and I think he’d be motivated to have one last 1000 yard season – he certainly still has the skill for that – I just wonder if he has the body for it anymore. Regardless the other reason to resign him would be to work with whatever young WRs we get. I like Evans and all, but he’s still an immature kid and can be borderline r-worded, just look at the stupid flag stuff – I think Evans did learn from that and I don’t think he’s a bad guy, but if we brought in new young guys I’d still rather have them learning from VJ for now and let Evans keep doing all those one-on-one drills with Winston.
January 3rd, 2017 at 8:23 pm
Perhaps Vincent will return the love and the loyalty that Jason Licht showed him last year in paying VJax his full $10M when probably 31 other GMs in the league would have forced him to redo his deal or cut him for that much $.
It was a big $ “Thank You” for being such a good Buccaneer over the previous 4 years.
Hopefully Vincent truly appreciated it and if he wants to play next year, will agree to a 1 year deal for something under $3M with the Bucs and accept whatever role the team deems best for him.
And the real upside to it would be that if VJax is good to go and healthy and in the proper mindframe – he could easily earn the #2 spot and a good bit of playing time in 2017 (which I might add is as likely as not to be a “special season” for the Bucs which Jackson might really enjoy being a part of…)
January 3rd, 2017 at 8:29 pm
NO thankyou to v Jax–too much time counting on him and he is injured–he cannot stay healthy and he sucked when he was playing early in the season. get WR with speed in draft
consider john Ross
January 3rd, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Pickgrin – It was actually $12-mil he got last year.
Also the Bucs have soo much money to spend it really doesn’t matter what they give VJ on a one year deal, and it’s possible the Bucs have an issue getting that salary floor average up – so they might give him more like $5-7mil, which is closer to what I think he’d get. The Patriots have the 2nd most money in the league in FA, well before rollovers anyways, VJ seems like exactly the type of player they’d sign on a one year deal and who would have 1000 yards and 10 TDs in like 12 games.
I think the Bucs should resign him just because they can – but it shouldn’t at all change their plans to add many more WRs, but again everyone has cap money so good players just aren’t going to be out there.
January 3rd, 2017 at 9:19 pm
There is no way Jackson ever comes close to 1000 yards again. Did nobody see the first couple games of the year before he got injured again? His legs are gone. He can play for a ltitle more than the league minimum for veterans or he can finish his career somewhere like Cleveland.
January 3rd, 2017 at 9:25 pm
Pay cut… #3/4 receiver… Keep his legs fresh… Experienced leadership abilities…. Id love to see VJax come back next year… A bridge player and great depth… Max 3 mill… See Steve Smith… He got hurt, but came back for another year… Made plays. Just need to stay down on the depth chart a bit
January 3rd, 2017 at 10:01 pm
I can understand disagreeing on bringing him back. But this man gave it his all here in Tampa and was a great pick up.
Show some respect.
January 3rd, 2017 at 10:15 pm
No more ppl named Mike Williams on the team
January 3rd, 2017 at 10:23 pm
I trust the Bucs staff on this one. They will now if there was a lingering issue preventing him form getting healthy. If they feel if he has something left I am all in favor of signing a very cap friendly one year deal. My sense is he such an outstanding classy professional he won’t peruse it if he doesn’t feel he is worthy…
January 3rd, 2017 at 11:14 pm
I think v jax would make an excellent 4th WR. Sign him to vet league min and lets do this!
January 3rd, 2017 at 11:14 pm
I’m with Hawaiian on this. If he comes back for a year or 2 contract at a Tampa Bay discount rate, understands his new role and continues being a leader, I’m all for it! Having said that, I would actually rather see the Bucs try to land another quality WR through free agency, like A Jeffrey. Use that 1st round pick on one of these good looking Safetys coming out. Love VJax, but replacing his #2 spot on the WRs has to be a top priority this offseason.
January 3rd, 2017 at 11:33 pm
Bless you Hawaiian, and the the few other Intelligent posters here, who realize the value of a probowl reciever, mentoring young recievers- and providing a dependable possesion receiver at 6’5″
The rest of you are stupid, uninformed, and hateful.
Buuut, we already knew that.
Jackson was one of our two starting WRs , when he got hurt. That means( for you idiots), that our coaches knew he was one of the top 2 WRs on our team.
Period. You idiots.
While time catches up o every one, Jacksons lose alone crippled our offense.
And just to set the moron squad straight- all that slow talk again idiots making a judgement from the one Buc play they saw on BSPN
Several tears ago, Jackson got ran down from behind by a lil track star, 5’9″ midget.
So the moron squad starting crying slow.
They didnt notice that Jackson had just beat the midget for a 60 yard reception.
They didnt notice that a 6’5″, 240 lb guy will ussually get ran down by a 5’9″ , –180lb CB.
Try this.
How many times did Jackson lead the team in Yards per catch?
How many times did he lead the League in Yards per catch?
Only a fool would call that slow.
Of course- thats mostly what we have here.
I hope he comes back, to continue Mentoring Evans and our New Rookie.
Also to give Jameis that big Experienced Target he needed so badly this year.
Or do some of you think our WR’s room has veteran experince enough?
January 3rd, 2017 at 11:34 pm
We NEED TERRELL PRYOR. And some scouts have compared Corey Davis to Terrell Owens without all the extra bu11$hit
January 4th, 2017 at 12:20 am
sign on a one year deal and who would have 1000 yards and 10 TDs in like 12 games.
—————-
He’d have to do all that before he takes another hit to the legs or knees, I’m sure it’s possible. Great guy sure but all anyone gives a darn about in this league is wins. ‘MURICA!
Personally I’d sign Steve Smith Sr instead lol just so he can pick on GMC in practice. Maybe he’d like to kick Carolina in the a$5 one more time before going home? 1 yr deal, practice if you want to, lol.
January 4th, 2017 at 12:29 am
@MIke Evan GOAT
I’m starting to think the Bucs need to add 2 wrs.
See who wants to play here more between Pryor and Desean Jackson.
If the Bucs get Jackson then I’d still consider taking Corey Davis if he’s there.
Redskins, Steelers, etc are loaded with weapons. Why not us?
I would love for the Bucs to either have 4 legit wrs (Evans/Pryor or Jackson/Corey Davis or Isaiah Ford *3rd round* and Humphries)
or 3 legit wrs (Evans/Corey Davis/Humphries) and 2 legit TE’s (Brate/Evan Ingram)
Its time for the Bucs to be explosive on offense.
January 4th, 2017 at 4:11 am
We definitely need 2 Wrs. And thats if we resign Jackson.
When Winston’s options are Freddie Martino, or Russel Shepard- then we have done a horrible disservice to Our young QB.
Weapons!!!
W E A P O N S!!!!
January 4th, 2017 at 4:12 am
Gotta plan on replacing Drug Martin, Too
January 4th, 2017 at 8:06 am
@ capt Tim
I think the best way to replace martin is with D Onta Forman in the 2nd round. Think of a faster Legarette Blount
January 4th, 2017 at 12:21 pm
The bucs need the roster spot. If they want VJax’s leadership, let him be an assistant coach or a player relations staffer. Bucs should bring in 3 or 4 WRs in FA and the draft that they believe are potential starters alongside Evans and Humphries. History tells us that injuries and underperformance will take its toll, and the team can’t spend another flailing around on offense due to lack of weapons when it does
January 4th, 2017 at 12:26 pm
1 year $2million deal with bonuses than could go up to $4mm.
end of negotiations. sign it or hit the road pal!
January 5th, 2017 at 2:58 am
Mike Evans Goat- i think you are on the right track with that idea. This team could really use a Powerbak- to compliment Sims and Rodgers.
Pick6 and Trevor.
Andwer this. What WR ,on the roster right now, is better than Jackson?
If you say Sheperd, Martino, Etc- you should be banned forever- just for being clueless
Evans.
And some of you might say Humphries. But hes what Jackson is , at worst.
A great possession Wr who lacks speed.
Except Jackson is 6’5″, and a former ProBowler.
If the Bucs do what I want- you add 2 wrs. A FA and high draft pick
Say, Brandon Marshal and a 3rd round pick
Then our WR corp is Evans, Marshal, 3rd pick, Jackson, Humphries.
Jameis would Dominate the league, with those weapons