Koetter: “We Lost Vincent Jackson”
May 14th, 2017
The Bucs have been clear that their No. 5 wide receiver job is wide open.
That’s why the team sniffed veteran couch-warmer Riley Cooper last weekend at One Buc Palace.
Cooper was not signed. Louis Murphy is healthy at home. And the Bucs have assembled a large band of unspectacular talents and no-names to compete for that receiver spot.
Yeah, it’s just a backup gig. However, that position cost the Bucs dearly the past two seasons. So that’s why Joe is obsessing. It’s important.
Tampa Bay let Russell Shepard frolic off to Carolina. No problem there. But what about taking a shot at Vincent Jackson now that he’s unwanted across the NFL, and subsequently inexpensive? Jackson, 34, appears willing to compete and grind one more season.
Jackson has been public saying he’s healthy and eager to play. He even detailed that he can help the Bucs in various ways this season.
Now that the draft dust has settled, Joe would love to see Jackson compete for a job with the likes of Josh Huff, Freddie Martino, Bernard Reedy, Donteea Dye, Derel Walker, Bobo Wilson and others — for all the same reasons Joe clamored for Roddy White to get a sniff here last year. The Bucs could always cut him.
After Day 2 of the NFL Draft, Dirk Koetter jumped on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Alex Marvez and Tom Pelissero. And in a discussion about receiver depth in 2017, Koetter said, “We lost Vincent Jackson.”
It was an odd comment, and odd verb choice, considering Jackson had just said on WDAE-AM 620 that he visited One Buc Palace and was available to be a versatile player under Dirk Koetter.
“I’m very dynamic as far as what I’ve done in the past throughout my career, you know, playing outside inside, having mismatches against safeties and things in the slot. So I pride myself on being a receiver that not only can just stretch the field on the outside one-on-one, but can run those intermediate routes, those third-down routes that can keep drives alive,” Jackson said. “Dirk’s a very, very smart guy. You know, I’m sure that he would put plenty of work in with Jameis and our offensive coordinator to put everybody in the best position to be successful. So, you know, there’s a lot of different things I could bring to the table.”
Surely, Koetter was aware of the commentary and the team knows Jackson isn’t “lost.”
Joe can only conclude that Koetter and Jason Licht watched Jackson’s five games last season before his knee injury and want no part of that ugliness again.
Joe can’t quibble with that assessment, if that’s that’s the case. But Jackson still might be better than all the other dudes competing for that final spot. We’d only find out if he comes to camp.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:05 am
Cant see them having to possibly cut him on Hard Knocks
May 14th, 2017 at 1:15 am
Really hoping hes back. He may have lost his speed… but he can still run routes, knows the offense, hes still super big and tall, and a great teammate. I think there is still enough tread on the tires for one more farewell season.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:25 am
I’m sorry but I’m a seasoned Bucs fan and NFL fan for that matter. I absolutely love everything about V Jax and he will go down as one of our best FA pickups ever. With that said, my man doesn’t have it anymore. We don’t need another locker room presence. We have that locked down. We need a dynamic 5th receiver with future potential. Dirk and Licht know what they are doing.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:40 am
We need the Taylor Gabriel of the 2017 season….. not another locker room presence as CMURDA mentioned.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:42 am
Probably a good reason nobody wants him
May 14th, 2017 at 1:50 am
He got the benefit of his contract expiring, not many get that. Bucs have ME13, Jaccpot, CG12 and Humph.
How many receivers are we keeping?
I like Martino, Walker, Wilson and Sperbeck
Thankfully practice squad makes it possible to maintain them.
I don’t understand why you guys think we need a dynamic 5th receiver?
I don’t see them playing any real role.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:52 am
I would like to see VJax become an assistant coach. I credit him with aiding in the development of our young receivers.
May 14th, 2017 at 3:27 am
The 5 really needs to play special teams
He would be like another coach though
May 14th, 2017 at 3:37 am
He may have been referring to last year when he said “we lost Vincent Jackson.”
Not a big mystery, but we must imagine a story to generate clicks…
He wasn’t referring to last year. Joe listened. You didn’t. If you don’t care about the things the head coach said, then you’re reading the wrong website. And Joe will add you are now among the vast majority who don’t understand that Joe doesn’t write to “generate clicks.” If so, this site would look — and be — a lot different. –Joe
May 14th, 2017 at 4:09 am
You can only carry so many players, when talking about a 5th wide reciever they should be your punt/kick returner or gunner, etc. They have to be able to multi-task on special teams. VJ was a really good player but Father Time is undefeated and his time is up. The Bucs are smart to put a young developmental player in that spot who can contribute on special teams
May 14th, 2017 at 5:26 am
@Cash … “The Bucs are smart to put a young developmental player in that spot who can contribute on special teams.” Bingo! The #5 WR will get to see relatively little playing time & very few touches, unless of course injuries happen to those above him in the pecking order. Perfect spot to bring along a young WR who just might break out & become the next superstar.
May 14th, 2017 at 5:38 am
4th and 5th WRs HAVE to play special teams. PERIOD.
May 14th, 2017 at 5:51 am
“competing for that final spot”
Wait. Does that mean you think they only keep 5 WRs?
Don’t they usually keep 6?
May 14th, 2017 at 5:53 am
Personally, I believe all the WRsoots are filled.
May 14th, 2017 at 5:54 am
WR spots
May 14th, 2017 at 5:55 am
We’ll keep 6 WRs. Like we Always do.
And we will need them all.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:33 am
VJ doesn’t play Special Teams… C’mon!!
May 14th, 2017 at 6:55 am
Face it Vjax isn’t a #5 wr. He doesn’t play special teams. I think he would be the first phone call if we have injuries as he wouldn’t need to play special teams.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:57 am
Joe says
“that Koetter and Jason Licht watched Jackson’s five games last season”
Its that or they just listen to The Buc Realist keen eye assessment after the 1st game!!!!! When everyone was “excited” over asj, The Buc Realist was worried that VJ83 career was over!!!!!!!
The Buc Realist Says:
September 11th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
Is any one else a little worried about VJ83??? he had 2 catches but look very slow and was single covered??? is the injury still bothering him, or age???????????
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2016/09/buccaneers-seferian-jenkins-blog-trust-touchdown/
Go BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 14th, 2017 at 7:07 am
Agree. Can’t see them having to cut one of the better receivers in their history. Hope they find a position for him somewhere …maybe in house…
May 14th, 2017 at 7:16 am
Once again realist
Youre a bit slow to recognize. When malcolm jenkins ran him down n got him on the 2 yd line after a 30 yd head start, years ago, we all knew he was slowing down. Heck of a receiver in his day. Father time has gotten another one. Hope the best for vjax. Go bucs
May 14th, 2017 at 7:32 am
Yes very astute. You saw a 34 year old looked slow in the NFL one day. Congratulations.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:40 am
Vincent Jackson is done. What is it 3 straight years now that he’s gone down with a season ending Lower body injury?
May 14th, 2017 at 7:43 am
@ all the “its obvious”! If you see something, say something!!!!!!!!!!!
another nugget of truth so some can say it was obvious a year later!!!!!!!!!! Don’t worry sheep!!! I will be throwing out more nuggets so next year you can “understand” then say it was “obvious”!!!!!!!!!!
The Buc Realist Says:
September 11th, 2016 at 5:15 pm
@JMicSoundsNice
And I am saying he looked slow, and was sloppy out of his routes and was single covered and really did not get open by a secondary that is not that deep or good!!!!! He turns 34 at the end of the year and this might be his last!!!
Falcons were very focused on stopping the run and double mostly ME13!!
May 14th, 2017 at 7:45 am
Love VJax and all he’s meant to this team, this town, our community. HOWEVER, last season before he went down, there was something in his eyes, his actions, that looked totally disinterested in being there. Like he mentally was somewhere else. I understand if there is personal stuff going on that can affect what you’re doing on the field, but this was over several games. Add to that the fact that he’s no spring chicken, and I don’t see him playing for us again. As was said above, WR spots 4-6 are special teams guys. VJax isn’t that.
Do agree however that if he came back in some coaching capacity, I would’nt be against it.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:49 am
We need our 5th receiver position to play special teams……gunner, returner…..something.
This is very sad….I love Vjax….but his time has come and gone. He needs to realize that and retire.
There is a young receiver out there…..maybe one that Joe considers unworthy (Humphries & Brate were once there)…..Perhaps we should make Sims a receiver…..there are many options that don’t include Vjax.
May 14th, 2017 at 7:58 am
No need to come here to say everything obvious. Like i said ive had season tickets since about 85, been a bucs fan since day one. Ive forgot more bucs info than youll know. No idea why you feel the need to say look at me look at me guys, i predicted something. If u can win the lotto that way ill give ya credit. N if youre not gona do that every time youre wrong dont do it when ur right. Ok now back to the grown up stuff. Go bucs
May 14th, 2017 at 8:07 am
in Dubai
I love Vjax and what he brought to the team via free agency. Probably our best pick up ever. True team player and great receiver, blocker and on field coach. If he played ST like Ted Gin Jr. he would still be on the team for the league minimum.
However, our 4th, 5th and 6th receivers will need to play special teams and I don’t think Vjak has any intention of playing ST.
Plus his community involvement is what put Vjax on another planet in Tampa Bay!. He goes out a hero to so many in the community.
Take Care VJ83 hope to see you as an assistant coach with TB for many years to come.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:17 am
I agree with TBF. The special teams contributions from your 5th and 6ith receiver is huge. I also believe the Buc’s need to carry 6 WR’s, injuries are not a possibility anymore they are a probability. I too really like VJax and had at one time considered the TE role. But having potentially two of the best TE’s in the game eliminated that plan. I think The CFL kid and a late cut might provide the some fire power.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:22 am
What, Realist are you auditioning here or something? I ignored you the first 50 times you patted yourself on the back in the third person. Do you really see us as your flock, and you, you’re the sheep herder?. My God, give it a bit of a rest. You’ve staked your claim to the list of most annoying JBF posters, congratulations.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:27 am
@chris
Make it 51 nuggets of truth then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Buc Realist Says:
October 19th, 2016 at 11:48 am
No mystery!!!! All the signs are right in front of everyone!!!!! Just ask yourself How does a player not know he tore up his knee in the game and kept playing????
Answer….It was too numb to notice!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
May 14th, 2017 at 8:35 am
Must be a lonely, lonely life to look up past posts from a year ago to make yourself feel knowledgeable and important, sad.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:38 am
Hes a great guy and Im sure he stilk love the game but has lost his competetive edge and drive out there.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:38 am
I think the bucs would have signed Jackson if he was guaranteed to win the job. With a well accomplished vet like VJax, you can’t sign him to try out. It has to be guaranteed he makes the roster. He deserves that respect from the NFL, and especially the bucs coaches. So if there is some doubt that he might not be the best guy for the job. Just save him and yourself the humiliation and move on before it gets messy. You don’t want to put him or the team in that situation of getting cut.
May 14th, 2017 at 8:44 am
Jackson has always been a below average blocker I remember in a presser coach Moenken said Jackson was 🌟 to play harder which implies he was loafing at some point!Time to move on!
May 14th, 2017 at 9:05 am
There is Sperbeck, Walker, or Wilson. Hopefully something in two of these three exist. Otherwise there is Dye, Huff, Martino, and Reedy. Huff is bring negative feelings into this season, and Dye just can’t catch. So VJax is a better WR than all of the above, but I don’t think he’s got the durability to play special teams. With that and the inkling he’s no longer a #1, I can see why other teams passed on him. That said, I’ m betting if he stays in shape, he’ll be an injury call up and play this year anyway. Hopefully not here though, if you get the drift why. Outstanding leader/player/person.
May 14th, 2017 at 9:07 am
@chris 08:35 –
Preach, brother.
May 14th, 2017 at 9:10 am
So who are team captains this year going to be? I’m betting Jameis and DJax (is Evans ready?)…GMC and Kwon….and Nick Folk (yup) and Garrison Sanborn. However, I wonder if Robert Ayers will assume the role from GMC? And if Folk beats out GunShyO for the K job, Roberto will be out of the NFL.
May 14th, 2017 at 9:16 am
“I thought Kobe Faker got rid of this 1 legged, entitled, bow tie wearing, malcontent, money hungry has been last year”
Go away…read children books…sell wine…have some pride
“Dont you have any shame”
Kobe Faker
May 14th, 2017 at 9:42 am
Much ado about nothing. If we get down to the 5th receiver we’re screwed anyway, so it’s not as if wringing hands about who will be our #5 is going to help anything. Let the young guys compete, pick someone who can contribute on STs (which VJ won’t do) and develop behind the scenes – it’s not that hard.
May 14th, 2017 at 10:37 am
Vincent Jackson played his contract al the way out. Many aging bets don’t get this chance. If he is as smart as he seems to be, He’ll just hang up the cleats and bow out gracefully. Many of these guys have a hard time admitting there time has come and gone. He should be thankful he’s gettin out with most of his..cranium intact. Move on Vince. Let it go and..Good Luck!
May 14th, 2017 at 10:43 am
There’s lot’s of time left to decide who the 5th receiver will be and a lot of NFL camps around the league that will be trimming rosters. Every year there are wiley veterans and promising, unproven wides that are cut, along with every other roster position. I believe the Bucs are becoming a destination of choice for players and am confident Licht will bring in the right pieces.
If this were a poker hand with Evans, Jackson, Humphries and Godwin already on board, I’m salivating at what that 5th card might be. A full house would be sweet, but with the right card, a royal flush is still in play.
And whoever cut the deck, thank you! Go Bucs!
May 14th, 2017 at 10:50 am
Loved VJ83 but it’s clear to all it’s past his time I think the final roster will look like this ME , Jackson, hump, Godwin, Walker , Wilson…JMO wouldn’t mind that at all and don’t be surprised if you see Huff make the team just not returning idk maybe he will get another shot I mean the kid clearly wasn’t focused or knew the playbook last year now with all his bs behind him he could come in here an compete I remember some really nice plays from him when he was in phi….Get dem Sticks…GOBUCS
May 14th, 2017 at 10:59 am
Do the other “dudes” play special teams? because backup wide receivers are expected to, and I doubt Vincent Jackson would be able to at this stage in his career, so I can understand the Bucs position towards V.J.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:01 am
maybe they keep Sims as a RB/6th wr option
May 14th, 2017 at 11:15 am
VJax is a no-go because he doesn’t play ST’s. Simple as that.
Any WR not named Evans, DJax, Humphries or Godwin will earn their bones running under kicks.
That’s not VJax. And when the Bucs drafted Godwin, he knew it.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:19 am
I won’t be surprised if the Bucs keep 5 WR’s with Charles Sims playing a dual role of RB/slot WR. He can play ST’s.
This would allow more DL flexibility, a problem last year when the DL got whacked with injuries early on.
I can’t recall another Bucs team that had so many dual-role players. It’s interesting to note that as the NFL went “specialist” suddenly the Bucs are going flexible roles.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:20 am
TBBF is right. If there were 54 spots on the roster, I would favor re-signing VJax. We all recognize that he is great in the community. There is no reason to sign him unless there are injuries at the position during the year.
May 14th, 2017 at 11:53 am
Sign him!!! Hed still be the 3rd best receiver on this team
May 14th, 2017 at 11:58 am
It looks like the sentiment is shared. All respect for VJax, but the hands of time ha e caught up to him. If the Bucs want any chance to become perennial playoff team like the Pats, you have to know when to let people go
May 14th, 2017 at 12:12 pm
@ TheShaz: exactly. This a lesson Licht learned with the ‘Cheats…
There is “veteran with tread” and “veteran with bald tires.” I suspect VJax is the latter…
It is like watching Alstott, Dunn, Rice, Sapp, Barber, Brooks and others slip: Sad but inevitable.
May 14th, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Vincent Jackson has 55,555,555 reasons to be happy on this Mother’s Day.
May 14th, 2017 at 1:13 pm
I would MUCH rather see VJax grace our huddle this year rather than the likes of Dye, Martino, Reedy, or Huff
May 14th, 2017 at 2:16 pm
you are joking right… Next Article
May 14th, 2017 at 4:13 pm
Six WRs but just three TEs. Looks that way.
May 14th, 2017 at 4:19 pm
I would ask VJAX how well his knees are holding up. He can still be effective, but he is getting long in the tooth and surrounded by abundant younger contenders. All things must pass.
May 14th, 2017 at 5:34 pm
R.O. Says
“VJ doesn’t play Special Teams… C’mon!!”
I’m seeing this mentioned a lot…but we really won’t need him to play ST. We have plenty of youth to do it now.
May 14th, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Lunchbox Says
“Love VJax and all he’s meant to this team, this town, our community. HOWEVER, last season before he went down, there was something in his eyes, his actions, that looked totally disinterested in being there.”
I think many of us saw that…but the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. He’s now realized he has no market value. He’d take ANY job.
May 14th, 2017 at 6:39 pm
Quick….
How old is DJax..??
And how much tread are we hoping for until Godwin is comfortable with the playbook?
And, I don’t expect to see DJax running all the GO routes this season with CG12’s fresh legs sitting on the bench. And, CG12 will get a share of targets by subbing for all 3 starters.
Humps targets to be significantly reduced in the 2nd half of the season, for the same reasons he was getting targeted last season, MORE TALENT…!!!
May 14th, 2017 at 11:36 pm
hmmm, could there be more of a misleading and outdated headline to this article?
Don’t think so.
May 15th, 2017 at 1:13 am
Lunch buc is right. VJ. Seemed disinterested. That or didn’t know the plays. Seemed like he was in the wrong place on most plays. Had a serious disconnect with jameis. Seemed like Freddie Martino had better chemistry with Winston.
May 15th, 2017 at 9:02 am
Rather sign Murph.
May 15th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
“Aging Football Player assures fans and media he is as good as he ever was”
we see this play out multiple times each offseason, and Aging Football Player is usually proven false. bonus points for when said Player insists that a major injury actually gave him time to get fresher and stronger…
May 15th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
No worries Joe
Mike Evans
DeSean Jackson
Chris Godwin
Derel Walker
Adam Humphries
Those are your 5 receivers for this season. Barring injury of course. Vincent Jackson is too respected in this league to be signed as a #4 or #5. And honestly, he probably would not be happy without being at least a #3. I love the sudden youth movement here. WR was by far my most frustrating aspect of this team the last few years. Its about time we got some depth.