More Ammo For Chasing DeSean Jackson

January 25th, 2017
Thirsty for juice

Thirsty for juice

When Dirk Koetter watches endless film in search of a free agent wide receiver with speed, he likely will be covered in drool, suggests new data from NFL.com.

Yes, it’s possible the loaded-at-receiver Redskins might let DeSean Jackson out the door. His current contract is up in March and the 30-year-old speedster might be viewed as replaceable, despite another season with 1,000+ yards and heart palpitations for defensive backs and coordinators.

The “NextGen” stats series by NFL.com reveals Jackson was tied for second best among NFL wide receivers at getting “separation.” Steelers WR Antonio Brown was best and Green Bay’s Davante Adams was tied with Jackson among those with 100 or more targets.

What’s most interesting is Jackson’s versatility. He gets it done inside and outside.

Out wide separation: 2.77 (76 percent of targets)
Slot separation: 3.25 (24 percent of targets)
Air yards per target: 16.3

Perhaps still the NFL’s best deep threat, DeSean Jackson checked in with his fifth 1,000-yard season this year. He also led the league in yards per reception (17.9) for the third time in his career. Jackson averaged a strong 2.89 yards of separation despite averaging a whopping 16.3 air yards per target from Kirk Cousins. Jackson was the only receiver in the NFL this year to average more than 16 air yards per target and register more than 80 targets on the season. Much like Adams, Jackson’s separation numbers were higher when he lined up in the slot. He made some of his biggest plays when targeted out of the slot with 219 yards on just 12 catches.

Jackson is a free agent this offseason. With Washington drafting Josh Doctson in the first round and the emergence of Jamison Crowder as one of the NFL’s best slot receivers this year, it’s fair to wonder if he returns to the team.

Yes, this is all porn for stat nerds, and Joe’s not one of those dudes. However, watch Jackson and it’s easy to see he gets open and still has the juice that makes him extremely dangerous and a potential game-breaker.

The stats capture Joe because of how they illustrate Jackson’s true versatility. The Bucs are so desperate for that in their receiving corps — in addition to speed.

It’s not just America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, who needs weapons. Koetter needs them to, in order for him to make the most of his proven playcalling prowess.

104 Responses to “More Ammo For Chasing DeSean Jackson”

  1. Buc1987 Says:

    Yep.

  2. Gencoimports Says:

    Too injury prone.

  3. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Porn indeed

    I don’t want this “filth” in our locker room
    .

    ……..his attitude can be cancerous to the team

  4. DB55 Says:

    You know who else had 17y per catch? Freddie Martino. Ijs

  5. Joeypoppems Says:

    Thos are impressive numbers. Definitely what we need.

  6. Nick B. Says:

    Sign him up. You haven’t heard any locker room troubles since he went to DC. He’s 30, seems to have matured and is exactly what the Bucs need opposite of Evans. If Jackson isn’t the guy I hope they go after Stills

  7. thunderchunkyPA Says:

    He is begging to go back to Philly, and yes, misses games left and right as well. I would be surprised if he came to Tampa, he might go all (woman beater) Greg Hardy and hold up Tampa so he can get more cash in Philly.

  8. WhatdaBUCisthis Says:

    Damn DB55 can you comprehend the English language? Freddie OBVIOUSLY did not have as many targets! Damn yo
    What are you just saying then

  9. tmaxcon Says:

    TheBucsAnthem

    You call him filth yet support low effort quitters and mentally weak players like Mccoy… Laughable

  10. Ben Says:

    Kenny stills anyone. Cheaper younger option

  11. DB55 Says:

    No estupido. No entiendo ingles. Solo entiendo ganando. Tu me entiendes? Hijo de la gran …..

  12. tmaxcon Says:

    Over the last seven years far too many mccoy led defensive units have quit, played with no enthusiasm and little effort…. That’s what happens when you have a soft mentally weak leaders. There is no excuse for no effort and low effort makes the “he needs help crowd” look ignorant… Lack of talent is one thing but there is never a valid excuse for low effort

  13. mike Says:

    I want a #2 bad but he always seems hot and cold to me. He is going to want a lot of money and a lot of targets.

  14. Defense Rules Says:

    @Gencoimports … “Too injury prone.” Have seen several JBF commenters write that but no one ever provides facts to back it up. Fact is … Desean Jackson has played in 127 games in his 9 seasons (potential 144 games). That’s over 88% availability for a very speedy WR. If you go to a website that shows injury history (www.sportsinjurypredictor.com ) you’ll see that Jackson has been banged up 9 times in those 9 years (3 concussions, hamstring, thigh bruise, etc).

    To ONLY miss 17 games in 9 yrs as a WR (a lot of which was in the slot) is pretty good in my book. Matter of fact, 14 games per season average is REAL GOOD in my book for a WR. Personally think that Desean Jackson would be the perfect complement to Mike Evans. Don’t know if he’d ever sign with the Bucs, but I sure would give it a shot if I was Jason Licht.

  15. Joeypoppems Says:

    I would rather see them get their speed in the draft. In FA get a true #2, doesnt have to be a vertical threat. In the draft there is a bunch of speed at the WR position that can be drafted on day 2. Dede Westbrook, Shelton Gibson, Amara Darboh, Cooper Kupp to some degree (more quick than fast) and my personal favorite. Taywan Taylor.

  16. Buc1987 Says:

    Peeps that say Jackson is too injury prone, must be thinking we need him long term.

    We don’t. 1-2 years works just fine for me.

  17. Rob Says:

    “Too injury prone.”

    Nonsense. Jackson has averaged 14 starts per year over his career, only missing more than two games twice. He’s exactly what this offense needs.

  18. LakeLandBuc Says:

    I don’t believe DeSean Jackson will sign with the Bucs.

  19. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Any1 else watching senior bowl practice?

  20. Francisco Menendez Says:

    No offense, but I don’t understand how poll takers could think Jameis Winston is second, let alone first best, in the NFC South. I voted him as last best, because I don’t believe as of now, he’s better than someone whose won the NFL MVP award and gone to a superbowl with scrap metal at receiver (Newton), and he’s certainly not better than Brees (future HOF’er) or Ryan (MVP 17). I’m Jaboo’s biggest fan, but I don’t understand why everyone is in such a hurry to crown him. Can’t we respect him, while at the same time be realistic. This total lack of a grasp on reality is why fans get so upset the first time something goes wrong. Be realistic, and respect the process he has to go through first before becoming great, then cast your vote.

  21. WhatdaBUCisthis Says:

    DB55…podemos ganar con McCoy

  22. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Fansisco
    That because ur high. This is a WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY league. And this year JW has definitely done more than Scam Newton.

  23. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Anyone catch Collin herd comments on deep ball WRs like the one ones in Pitt in contrast to the dink and donk guys like the ones in NE. He stated Big Ben is breaking down at 35 because of the hits aquired over time waiting 5 to 7 seconds to release the ball unlike Brady 39 and still going strong because he relaeses in 2 to 5. Big Ben 13 career injuries Brady 2. Maybe we should rethink all this deep ball throwing.

  24. Francisco Menendez Says:

    @ Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    That’s my personal opinion only. I recognize that this year his numbers were inferior to Winton’s, and his overall effort seemed to be lacking – but it was an injury plagued season for him (for what that’s worth). Need to see Winston just a little more accurate (i.e. none of that throwing over a receivers head for an entire half of the game – Raiders game second half game and others) before de dethroning Newton as 3.

  25. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    @ Francisco
    Again I say it is a WHAT HAVE U DONE FOR ME LATELY league. So again your point is moot

  26. Buccfan37 Says:

    I would’nt want to have Big Bens knees.

  27. DB55 Says:

    Lol.

  28. Francisco Menendez Says:

    @ Joe & @ Mike Evans GOAT

    Depends on your prospective philosophy;

    Joe, what do you think?

  29. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Cooper Kupp looking good at practice. 3rd rounder or 4th?

  30. Supersam Says:

    Pass on him. Draft speed

  31. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Kupp has 4.4 speed. How much more do u want? Lol

  32. buccfan305 Says:

    Jameis is only 22YO. I’d say get him some young talent that can grow with he and ME13. Jackson is good but we’ll be looking for his replacement in 3years. Why get Temporary help when you can draft and develop a young guy who going to be here with Jameis and ME13 for the next 10 years. Screw this short term crap. Ill be honest, I thought the Falcons were stupid for giving up all that they did to grap Julio Jones but you see how that’s paid off for Matt Ryan. They grew together and will proably be together for the next 5 to 6 years.

  33. FuNkYxMuNkEy Says:

    Would be a great pickup if he isn’t demanding #1 type money

  34. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Mike Evans GOAT

    When the whole process is done he will be in the 2nd round conversation, his draft stock is gonna go through the roof

  35. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    @ popems
    He has REALLY impressed me the last 2 days with his speed, route running, and hands

  36. Buc1987 Says:

    Francisco Menendez Says :

    “I’m Jaboo’s biggest fan”

    Wrong.

  37. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Mile Evans GOAT

    If he actually runs a 4.4 at the combine it’s a wrap. Biggest knock on him was the level of competition he played against and here he is showin out against some of the top DBs in the class

  38. tmaxcon Says:

    87 hands down numero uno Winston fan. Not even a debate.

  39. Another J Says:

    Desean Jackson has already said he wouldn’t mind going back to the Eagles, I wouldn’t get my hopes up here in Tampa!

  40. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    Hey, I want to join this Winston fan club!!!!! Where is my invite?

  41. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Buccfan305

    Why can’t you do both? Sign a vet receiver and draft a receiver this year (to me round 2 is a good round this year) to be his replacement. That way he doesn’t have to step in and be asked to start immediately and he can develop not only chemistry with Jamies but also develop his skill set

  42. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    I know it’s kinda classing him cuz he white, but don’t u think he is quite similar to Jordy Nelson? Speed, great hands, and route running? Just a thought. My favorite senior bowl guy last year was Spence and I think Kupp has become my favorite player this year

  43. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    Pop it makes the most since what you just said.

  44. Mojiska Says:

    Kupp is one of my favorite guys in the draft at wr. I love the top 2, but not sure they are going to be there. (Williams and davis). Not a fan of Ross in the first, won’t be there in the 2nd. Kupp or Westbrook in the 3rd would be amazing or Smith-Schuster in the 2nd. If Kupp runs a 4.4, I’d even say get him in the 2nd.

  45. Nole on Sat- Bucc on Sun Says:

    And to second that I’ll go so as to say that is exactly what will happen.

  46. Francisco Menendez Says:

    @ Buc1987

    Went to FSU for undergrad and Law School (during ‘ship’ over Auburn), believe me, I love Jameis. No reason you can’t be his fan, and have respect for other qb’s. Let’s just let the top 100 players of NFL Netwrok decide it when that’s released this summer, since it’s voted on by players and coaches, and not lay individuals like ourselves.

  47. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Mike Evans GOAT

    Someone, I think it was Daniel Jerimiah, compared Kupp to Eric Decker which is also a good comparison

  48. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Mojiska

    If Taywan Taylor is available at #51 that is who I would go with another guy I look forward to seeing in day 2 of practice when I get home from work lol

  49. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Nosbos

    That is a similar thought process to why I hope we get an edge rusher round 1. We have the vet in Ayers already so why not get someone to replace him and play opposite, hopefully, a well developed Noah Spence? Then DE is set for years

  50. SB Says:

    “You call him filth yet support low effort quitters and mentally weak players like Mccoy… Laughable”
    ……………………
    What is actually laughable is if you asked 1,000 people who actually get paid to evaluate football and not sell insurance, or ask, “Would you like some fries with that?” ZERO of them would have said what you just said. But hey…….This is an article about WRs and you turn it into your OWN personal GMC bashing……….Now I am SURE that he slept with your wife. Just can’t stand to think about that giant thing being inside your wife huh?

  51. Eric Says:

    Thanks Joe!

    You just solidified my #1 desired player for free agency!

  52. TeddyTB Says:

    Buccfan305 is right why go get a temporary fix when we could use that money on fa star for the defense. There looks to be at least 4 potential pro bowl caliber wrs in this draft.

  53. SB Says:

    I would rather have Pryor if we can steal him from Cleveland. Freakish talent with almost the speed of DJ. Younger and could play QB in a pinch if we got in one that deep. I think Pryor would already be Special if he hadn’t been unfortunate enough to be drafted by the Browns

  54. Architek Says:

    He scares me because of the risk to the locker room chemistry.

  55. Mike Evans GOAT Says:

    An
    He wasn’t drafted by the browns

  56. Joeypoppems Says:

    @TeddyTB

    That is how building through the draft works. You sign temporary vets to fill holes on the roster and draft rookies to develop and be their successor. Robert Ayers, Brent Grimes, and Darryl Smith are all temporary or “bridge” players. Hargreaves, Spence, and Devante Bond were drafted to develop as their successors. With that said we still need another CB and DE to play opposite VH3 and Spence. The point is you can sign a vet receiver and draft a rookie.

  57. Pickgrin Says:

    Not sure if bringing in DJax is a good idea or not. I’ll defer to the pro scouts tape assessment, as well as the GM and coaches opinion of him via the interview room if it ever gets that far.

  58. Blake_Bucsfan Says:

    Djax isnt a lockeroom cancer guys.Chippy Kelly let go of him due to prejudicial biases.

    Chip got rid of Lesean Mccoy, and Jeremy Maclin, but kept Riley Cooper.

    That should tell you all you need to know.

  59. Deminion Says:

    Id get a proven #2 Wr in FA then draft a speed guy in the draft ijs Wr learning curve in the nfl isn’t easy. if corey davis falls to us im al for iti like dede westbrook he is better than sterling shepard could be a solid second rounder.

  60. SB Says:

    Howdy Blake. I only have one problem with your post. Football skilled position players are comprised of at least 80% African American layers. As a HC you don’t just run off three of your best players just cause they are AA! No way you ever get a HC job if you only want Caucasians on your team cause you could never field one. We have no Idea what happened in Philly.

  61. SB Says:

    *players not layers. Dam lack of an ‘edit’ button

  62. Not there yet Says:

    If they really want to be in the same class as Atlanta bite the bullet get a receiver with the first pick and a running back with the second pick then still go after Jackson. Everyone talks about getting a number 2 receiver no go get another number 1 and let the stats dictate who is the number 1 receiver in Tampa. Didn’t Atlanta transition from Roddy white that way? Except we’ll have two numbers 1’s longer than they did

  63. 813bucboi Says:

    @nole…..that’s something to think about….GO BUCS!!!!

  64. Kevin Says:

    The Bucs really missed out on some quality fa recievers last season. Marvin Jones and Rishard Mathews are two I was really.hoping for and are locked up now. Other than Stills there is nobody I am crazy about. Maybe Garcon something about Djax smells like it wont work out here. The key is drafting well unless there is a really smart option in FA.

  65. Kevin Says:

    Oh….Mohomad Sanu…..reallly wanted him. Hes in the Superbowl now. Last year was a great fa year for wr….not so much this year.

    I agree with Not there yet get another number 1 in the draft, I would take a rb mid rounds

  66. Blake_Bucsfan Says:

    @ Sb thats one of the many reasons why chip kelly will never be an Nfl head coach again.

  67. Buc1987 Says:

    SB…the Patriots sure have a lot of white players. Just sayin.

    My racist uncle. I mean HARDCORE (David Allan Coe listening) racist uncle is from Mass. He tells me all the time that the only reason why the Patriots win all the time and make few mistakes is because they have a lot of white players on the team.

    That’s NOT me. I fight with him over it. But he is right about one thing….the Patriots sure have a lot of white players.

  68. BigMacAttack Says:

    Worth taking a chance on him. We need it badly.

  69. NCMike Says:

    Awwww the great tmax throwing out spit against GMC in a non related article. Gonna bring up Glennon and Martin next? At least read the article

  70. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Speaking for Pablo

    “Pablo likes replacing Hackson with another Hackson……especially that DeSean is younger and faster. Pablo is excited about a Haboo to Hackson connection……Pablo urges Hason to make it happen”

  71. SB Says:

    Back from a 50 mile Snowmobile ride. Brisk!!! I know that the Pats are doing it with an all white crew on Offense but I didn’t want to point that out. That could be misconstrued. My point was merely that a Coach could never be a coach if he purged his team of blacks cause of his racial bias. That said I do not wish to speak of racism anymore. It’s synonym is stupidity

  72. Buc1987 Says:

    lol and I was trying to give Joe some more clicks…

  73. LifeOfABucFan Says:

    Off subject a bit..who is the kid Mike Evans tweeted about earlier? It’s a player from Texas AM also last name Evans..seems mikey wants him..so if he wants him, get him!!

    Edit..I see he’s a WR..so Evans wants Evans on the opposite side?..I’m game!

  74. Chris Says:

    The thing I do not like about Desean Jackson is he is a me first type personality. I think a few times even during his first season with the Skins he skipped otas and went on Vacation instead. I mean really? After being cut by the Eagles for reasons of not being a team player and questionable work ethic, he did that after signing a fat contract in Washington.

    I would stay away from him.

  75. Joeypoppems Says:

    @LifeOfABucFan

    The only Evans out of Texas A&M is Justin Evans a Safety. Their top WR is Josh Reynolds who had a good day at Senior Bowl practice today. Could be a round 3-4 pick. But Justin Evans will go Round 2 most likely

  76. webster Says:

    Kenny stills!!!!!! He is only 24 with speed to burn which means he can grow with evans, winston and brate for the next 4 years while playing in his “prime”. This makes the most sense.

  77. SB Says:

    Only thing that scares me about Stills is Exactly that he is only 24 with speed to burn. Yet he is looking to be on his Third team. Red flags somewhere being hidden with an olive drab screen.

  78. SB Says:

    Not saying that if Stills has some maturity issues that they can’t be solved. I know many a Saints fan personally and they thought big of the kid when he got there. He put up meh numbers but showed flashes but didn’t catch on. He couldn’t catch on in Miami either. Jury out for me. Not enough info

  79. Joeypoppems Says:

    @SB

    What do you mean by “he couldn’t catch on in Miami”? He had the best year of his career so far and led them in TDs with 9. I would be shocked if they didn’t resign him or at least try to resign him

  80. webster Says:

    @ sb

    He had 900+ yards in new orleans his second year. He was traded to miami for salary cap reasons like graham and that drafted cook who was a 1st rounder. Miami has invested heavily in the wr position the past few years via the draft and he may be the odd man out. He had 700+ yards last year with 9 tds. Sign him up 911!!!

  81. webster Says:

    And the saints drafted cook

  82. Joeypoppems Says:

    I remember there were rumors around mid season that Cook was on the trading block. If I’m Jason Licht I might have to look into that

  83. webster Says:

    @ sb

    Thephinsider.com 4 days ago has an article about the delima the dolphins are facing with stills because they will have to resign landry and parker soon who are more vital at this point. It has nothing to do with maturity.

  84. LakeLandBuc Says:

    I hope you Enthusiasts don’t get disappointed during the draft and free agency signing.

  85. Buc1987 Says:

    Enthusiasts.

    What’s that mean?

  86. LakeLandBuc Says:

    Buc1987 , Enthusiast

  87. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Buc1987

    Think he just means he hopes that everyone that is super interested in trying to predict the moves the Bucs will make dont get disappointed with the outcome. Dont think it was an insult or anything lol

  88. LakeLandBuc Says:

    Enthusiasts is the plural noun

  89. LakeLandBuc Says:

    Buc1987 knows what it means. It means a person filled with Enthusiasm.

  90. buccfan305 Says:

    @Joeypoppemns

    Im all for that if we do both. But it would be crazy not to.

  91. cmurda Says:

    Umm, yes all day on Desean. I’ve been all in on D Jax since the FA possibility existed. This dude knows how to play and for those who are saying he’s injury prone, you are wrong. You are blinded by his 2015 season in which he missed just over half the year. Go look at how many games he missed last year or the years prior. He has game changing speed and the ability to soften up coverage on M.E. and drop safeties back. This is exactly what we need and wouldn’t even cost us a draft pick but it will cost us some oin which we have plenty of. I guaranfriggingtee you that DK and JL will e heavy players if he actually hits the FA bell.

  92. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Cooper Kupp!!

  93. BuccaneerByBirth Says:

    JR SWEEZY MEDICALLY CLEARED

  94. SB Says:

    Sorry guys, I had Pinewood Derby with my son tonight at Boy Scouts so I couldn’t reply. All I know is Stills played with Brees and they let him go. Now he is in Miami at only 24 and if they like him he shouldn’t be let go of. Saints friends of mine questioned his maturity. I don’t know the guy from Adam. He has the skill set I like over Britt or even DJ. I am still on the Pryor bandwagon for some reason tho

  95. LifeOfABucFan Says:

    @joey Thank you!! I was trying to find his tweet and since I am not familiar with Texas AM players, I didn’t know who he referring too..So it’s a safety..ugh..I think we’re set there..but what Mikey wants he shall get!

  96. gotbbucs Says:

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard once that Jackson is a bad locker room guy. Was he a bit of a thug coming out of college? Yes. That was damn near 10 years ago.

    You’d have to be an idiot to not want this kind of athlete on your team. Money and years on the contract are my only sticking point.

  97. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    cmurda, he’s only had 2 healthy seasons in his entire 9 year career. He is most certainly prone to injury.

    Which means Licht would pursue him.

  98. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    As to Kenny Stills, it depends on price and attitude.

  99. Joeypoppems Says:

    @Buccaneer Bonzai

    In 5 of those 7 “injured” seasons, he missed 2 games at most. 2012 he missed 5 games for fractured ribs (not a recurring injury). 2015 he missed 7 for a hamstring. Soft tissue injuries, like hamstrings, are the recurring injuries to worry about, but it wasnt an issue last season. Missing 1-2 games a season isnt injury prone.

  100. Guzzie Says:

    Getting Pryor (franchise tag), Desean Jackson (age,salary), maybe on Stills, but Robert Woods is a decent alternative, former 2nd rounder hasn’t done much but has a couple of 600+ seasons under his belt and has played with subpar QBs

  101. Guzzie Says:

    Meant not getting Pryor or Jackson

  102. TeddyTB Says:

    Joedypoppems I see what your saying but good wrs nowadays come in year one balling. There’s not much of a curve like other positions like cb. I wanted Jackson when he was available previously. I wouldn’t hate licht if he signed him but would rather spend the big bucks elsewhere maybe do the patriots thing and sign one of the browns wideouts for cheap.

  103. Coopsxx Says:

    Great thing about Jackson is that Light wouldn’t t have to give him a big package

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4156682/Model-claims-DeSean-Jackson-built-like-Asian.html

  104. J-man Says:

    My Eagles fan cousin burned his Desean Jackson jersey at the same time I burned my Josh Freeman jersey. He is hoping he will have to buy his second Desean Jackson jersey.