Joe is wondering how rockstar general manager Mark Dominik and Team Glazer reportedly are ironing out gargantuan contract details with No. 1 wide receiver Vincent Jackson — a guy they haven’t even shook hands with yet at One Buc Palace.

It just seems like an extraordinary leap of faith for a front office that has largely shunned free agency in recent years. Joel Glazer even said a few years ago that relying on free agency can lead a team down a “dark path.” Now the Bucs are considering granting Jackson what’s got to be $30 million of guaranteed money before they really get to know him.

So Joe must consider how the Bucs have been doing their homework/investigation on Jackson over the past few months. And that brings Joe to Marty Schottenheimer interviewing for the Bucs head coaching job.

Did the Bucs really give old man Chokenheimer and the rest of the dead coaches society they interviewed a legitimate shot at the head coaching job? Nobody knows for sure, but it was widely speculated that the Bucs smartly were just bringing these guys in to soak up their vast knowledge of league players and coaches.

Schottenheimer, who Dominik worked with under in Kansas City years ago, drafted Vincent Jackson and was his coach during his first two seasons in San Diego. Surely Schottenheimer could share quite a bit about Jackson and could point the Bucs where they needed to go to find more information.

Joe has to think Schottenheimer helped make the Bucs brass comfortable about Jackson. Yeah, it’s just Joe speculating. But it seems a lot more plausible than the Bucs waving money at a guy they don’t really know, especially given some of the legal troubles in Jackson’s past.

UPDATE 6:22 p.m: Joe has reached out to a trusted source and there is no timetable available on Nicks’ visit. Could be tomorrow. Could be later in the week.

It seems the Bucs have won a small, early victory in the Battle of Carl Nicks.

The former Saints All-Pro guard will visit One Buc Palace, per Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times, via Twitter.

@HolderStephen: Confirmed: Carl Nicks has scheduled a visit to Tampa Bay. Bucs definitely in the thick of it.

Now that we know Nicks will arrive at One Buc Palace, Dominik and his henchmen need to do one thing and one thing only: he does not leave without his John Hancock on a contract.

Joe was under the impression, agreeing with many analysts claiming it wouldn’t happen, that the Bucs were done signing offensive linemen.

If the aforementioned is accurate, then there would be no need for Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks.

But word from Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network claims all the above is inaccurate. Per La Canfora’s Twitter account, the Bucs and Eagles are fighting over Nicks to visit their respective facilities first, thereby inking Nicks to a deal.

@JasonLaCanfora: Bucs and Eagles pushing to get Carl Nicks in their building first. Tampa lookin to use some of that big cap space quickly it seems!

If the Bucs do sign Nicks, Joe is certain of one thing:

Jeff Faine will thereby have played his last snap as the Bucs starting center.

Turns out SI.com was wrong. Read last paragraph.

Joe is going to preface this upfront: Joe has not been able to confirm this.

But in a free agent tracker on SI.com, it lists that Dixie Chicks middle linebacker Curtis Lofton has signed with the Bucs.

Again things are flying fast and furious and Joe has to tend to believe this only because it is SI.com (Sports Illustrated) and a publication of such renown would not pump out such pap if it was untrue.

Joe can only hope this is true. It’s a win-win: stealing a starter from a division foe and getting a starting middle linebacker.

UPDATE:  The SI.com tracker was corrected and Lofton is still free; unsigned. Below is the incriminating evidence from before.

Bucs fans are barely able to contain themselves with the thought of Vincent Jackson playing for the Bucs.

It appears that may just happen.

Per San Diego Union-Tribune Chargers beat writer Kevin Acee, the Bucs are about to wed themselves to Jackson.

‏@UTKevinAcee Told it’s not official yet, but certainly seems Tampa & V. Jackson have agreed to get married, which is what he wanted for so long in SD.

Nothing is official, but it sure smells like the Bucs are about to land what appears to be their No. 1 target.

Joe has a feeling he better break out the caffeine. Im May be a long, yet fun, night.

Those listening to Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski on WQYK-AM 1010 — and why wouldn’t you if you are a Bucs fan? — likely have heard how “The Commish” is hearing the Bucs have Cleveland fullback Peyton Hillis in their cross-hairs.

If Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik is of the mind to ink Hillis, this would be a curious choice.

Mind you the Bucs have LeGarrette Blount. The Browns’ stud, who seems perpetually perturbed about something when he’s not pondering life in the CIA, might not be an easy fit.

First, it’s likely Hillis will want if not demand the rock and the most playing time. If anyone on the Bucs roster deserves the rock it’s Blount (Joe is still flabbergasted that clueless former Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson gave Blount the ball a grand total of five times in last year’s season opener — FIVE!).

Now Joe’s not saying Hillis is not talented. He is, clearly. But how would he mesh with the Bucs? It’s pretty clear if Justin’s information is accurate, and he has solid sources from the inside, then the Bucs will plan on going with a running back by committee, something like what the Giants utilize.

So if Hillis does come to the Bucs, the Bucs will certainly have to address a speed back in the draft to balance the bruising type of running Blount and Hillis specialize in.

Signing Hillis would also pretty much mean that the Bucs won’t make the irresponsible mistake of drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

FOXSports.com NFL writer/NFL Radio host Alex Marvez is Twittering that the Bucs will make a “strong push” for Falcons middle linebacker Curtis Lofton.

Here’s the Tweet:

Bucs fans have been caught up in free agent receivers, cornerbacks and more, but it would be wise to remember that Greg Schiano played linebacker in college and surely knows the value of a physical run stuffer in the center of a defense.

And if he forgot how valuable that is, then he surely remembered once he started watching film of the Bucs during the Raheem Morris era.

Lofton also is known as a strong locker room guy, something the young Bucs need to add. As Joe brought you last week, NFL personnel guru and former Jets linebackers coach Pat Kirwan rates Lofton as the 11th best free agent on the market.

So what did Josh Freeman tell Rich Gannon recently?

Speaking moments ago on Movin’ The Chains on SiriusXM NFL Radio, co-host Gannon said he “spent time with Freeman over the weekend,” and “I think [Freeman] realizes [the Bucs]  need help at wide receiver.

Gannon went on to say he believes Arrelious Benn is never going to be a top player.

“That’s an area they have to addresss. They’ve got to surround Josh Freeman with more talent at receiver, as well as running back,” Gannon said.

Gannon and co-host Adam Schein also made a reference to San Diego free agent running back Mike Tolbert appearing on their show yesterday and quickly mentioning Tampa Bay during a discussion of his free agency.

Interesting.

One of the most unique players in the NFL, 2012 Pro Bowl fullback Michael Robinson for the Seahawks, is one guy on Joe’s watch list when the free agency bell rings this afternoon.

Robinson is the former starting quarterback at Penn State when he led them to the Big Ten title in 2005. Then the guy came into the NFL and was placed at running back, before transforming himself into a stud fullback and a top special teams player.

With his ability to be a third quarterback, the Bucs landing this guy would almost be like adding a cross between Earnest Graham and Micheal Spurlock.

Speaking on The Opening Drive on SiriusXM NFL Radio this morning, the well spoken Robinson said he can handle third-down back assignments and there are “two or three heavy hitters” after him in free agency, referring to teams that will make a quick play for his services.

Given Greg Schiano’s connections to Penn State and he and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik’s focus on special teams, Joe would not be surprised if Robinson is wearing red and pewter.

Joe’s friends at WTSP-TV, Ch. 10 were out at the PGA Tournament opening festivities in Palm Harbor yesterday and caught up to Josh Freeman and Cody Grimm, who were playing in the Pro-Am tournament. Freeman looks like he’s dropped significant weight. Check out the video.

Free agency begins this afternoon and fantasy football types are so giddy they’ve nearly had to take off work.

(This may be the worst week for work production in the Tampa Bay area. First, there is free agency and workers will be refreshing constantly. Then there is the NCAA tournament. Also, the weather is perfect for spring training baseball. Forget about productivity this week.)

In recent years, the Bucs have been largely allergic to free agents, channeling Ted Thompson of the Packers who hasn’t signed a free agent in over three years. Sadly for Bucs rock star general manager, this method hasn’t matched Thompson’s results.

Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune is convinced the Bucs have changed their ways, or so they say. But if one is to read between the lines of Dominik’s words, it doesn’t mean Dominik is going to go all Danny Snyder with Team Glazer’s checkbook today.

With more than $42.7 million in available salary cap space, a roster full of holes and a fan base anxious to see the team’s owners renew their commitment to winning after hiring coach Greg Schiano, the Bucs have reason this free-agency season to be one of the market’s bigger players.

Whether they will depends largely on opportunity.

General manager Mark Dominik has vowed to be a more aggressive shopper this year than last year, when the Bucs’ biggest addition was punter Michael Koenen. He also said he won’t spend just to spend and will only take on players that address a need or fit into the Bucs’ scheme.

Joe is convinced Dominik will sign lesser players after the initial feeding frenzy is over, likely next week. Second-level guys that can start and produce. Even a guy with a white cane can see the Bucs need bodies.

Whether Dominik lands a home run signing today, time will tell.

There’s all kinds of stuff burning up Joe’s phone and email and Twitter account as the bell prepares to ring on free agency tomorrow afternoon. If Joe traded in rumors, he could have written a dozen posts this afternoon alone.

But one thing to take note of is a recent Twittering from Justin “The Commish” Pawlowski, of WQYK-AM 1010, who says he’s got a trusted source telling him Carl Nicks and Cortland Finnegan are front and center on the Bucs’ radar. Pawlowski elaborated a bit on his website, CommishOnline.com.

Now Joe’s a pal of The Commish, who worked on the Buccaneers Radio Network last season. Hell, Joe even shared an icy beverage with The Commish last week. So Joe feels comfortable sharing this, since The Commish does not throw around BS to see what sticks.

Joe’s all in favor of bringing on Nicks. You want to run the ball and be physical? That’s your guy, a gargantuan young All-Pro left guard. Those types almost never hit the free agent market.

And obviously, with no word on Ronde Barber, and Aqib Talib being, well, Aqib Talib, the Bucs are practically forced to buy a cornerback.

Day 1 will be interesting. Joe’s enjoying the drama.

With 24 hours to go until the gun sounds starting the NFL free agent dash, Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik, who has all but said he will go free agent shopping this year, which pleases the fantasy football crowd to no end, got some good news via NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell.

The rumors are flying about all sorts of Bucs transactions, namely wide receiver Vincent Jackson. The word on the street was that the Redskins were going to spend whatever it took to land Jackson, which of course would drive up the price for the Bucs.

Also today, Woody Cummings of The Tampa Tribune spoke with Joe’s good friend Justin Pawlowski of WQYK-AM 1010 saying Dominik is interested in Dallass back up tight end Martellus Bennett, brother of Bucs defensive end Michael Bennett.

But, as Cummings notes, Dallass owner Jerry Jones, like Redskins owner Danny Snyder, never met a check he wouldn’t sign for a player, so acquiring Bennett could be costly.

Not any more. Joe’s not sure of the exact rule because salary cap caca bores the hell out of him; Goodell told Jones and Snyder not to spend a boat load of cash last year prior to the asinine lockout. But they did. So Goodell has slapped the Redskins and Cowboys $38 million and $10 million in salary cap space, respectively.

So don’t expect Jones to make a run at their backup tight end. And now Snyder and Bruce Almighty won’t have the cash to get into a bidding war with Jackson.

Somewhere, Joe can picture Dominik leaning back in his leather office chair, wingtip shoes propped up on his desk, cigar lit and sipping on a glass of cognac with a wide smile on his face.

A couple of days ago, Joe was sure Bucs fans had seen the last of Kregg Lumpkin in red and pewter.

However, veteran Bucs beat scribe Woody Cummings, of The Tampa Tribune, has unearthed word today that Lumpkin might return to Tampa Bay. It seems the Bucs didn’t give Lumpkin a restrticted free agent tender but aren’t ready to part ways.

Lumpkin’s agent, Hadley Engelhard, said the Bucs have expressed a desire to retain Lumpkin but decided against tendering him. Engelhard said Lumpkin will test the market but hopes to remain in Tampa.

Cummings also Tweeted the Bucs potentially would want Lumpkin to serve in a reserve back/third-down back role.

This tells Joe that Lumpkin’s play on special teams looks pretty good and Team Schiano/Dominik wouldn’t mind bringing Lumpkin back as quality training camp fodder. Joe will hope there are no higher hopes for Lumpkin.

Evan Silva of ProFootballTalk.com writes moments ago that fans should look for Jeff Faine to be released in the coming hours.  

Sports director David Pingalore of the Orlando CBS-TV affiliate is Tweeting that the Bucs center/captain/busy entrepreneur will be released today.

Joe’s heard all this may be inaccurate. So stay tuned.

However, once before Faine believed he was wronged by the media and sent an open letter to the St. Pete Times. So perhaps a statement from Faine is forthcoming.

If Faine is gone, Joe knows he won’t be eating Saltines and anchovies.

Outside of the Peyton Manning circus, the most expensive guy in free agency likely will be Vincent Jackson, the soon-to-be former Chargers receiver who is a true No. 1 receiver/deep threat in his prime.

The Bucs could use a guy like that.

Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik has said in various ways that the Bucs need to do more for Josh Freeman. Of course, those could have been references to coaching and playcalling, but it also could mean buying Freeman a proven weapon. And the latter is on the way if you believe a report last night in the Chicago Sun Times.

Reporter Sean Jensen has a source telling him the Bucs are ready to blitz Jackson with what surely will be a longterm, $10 million+ annual deal with lots of guarantees.

The Bears, Bucs and Redskins are thought to be the most aggressive bidders for two-time Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. According to a league source, the Bucs have the inside track to land Jackson, with the Bears among the serious suitors who might come up short.

What makes this so intriguing is the Bucs potentially battling the Redskins and Danny Snyder in a spending showdown — Team Glazer vs. Snyder, Bruce Allen vs. Dominik.

The Bucs’ salary-cap well is deeper, and one would think Freeman would be a more attractive quarterback than any rookie the Redskins will trot out there next season.

If Jackson actually visits Washington, Joe wonders if Team Snyder will let Raheem Morris have a little talk to Jackson about Tampa Bay.

Bucs fans likely will have nightmares for years to come after watching the Bucs’ ghastly defense last season, specifically during the grotesque 10-game losing streak to end the season, resulting in Raheem Morris being jettisoned from One Buc Palace.

Just about any linebacker or any secondary player would be an upgrade for the Bucs, especially if Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib are not available.

This leads Bradenton Herald columnist Alan Dell to believe Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik will target a cornerback in free agency. Though the fans are pining for Cortland Finnegan of the Titans or perhaps Brandon Carr of the Chiefs, Dell believes Dominik may land another corner.

That would be Carlos Rogers of the 49ers.

There are plenty of top notch free agent cornerbacks available, including San Francisco 49ers Carlos Rogers who was passed over last year by the Bucs when he was on the market from Washington. He had perhaps the best year of his career last season and could provide instant relief for Tampa’s wounded secondary.

Rogers is 30 years old. His age might preclude teams from signing him to a long term deal, which should make him more appealing to Tampa, especially if Barber does not return. His six interceptions tied for third highest among CBs.

Now that is an angle Joe hadn’t considered: Rogers could be had for a short-term contract, thus lessens the blow if he is a bad signing.

Rogers, Finnegan, Carr, Joe doesn’t care at this point so long as one of the three suits up for the Bucs next season. Otherwise, Drew Brees, Matty Ice and Cam Newton should have field days racking up yards and touchdowns on the Bucs’ secondary.

Set your watches: the stampede for free agents begins at 4 p.m. sharp tomorrow.

FOX NFL writer and NFL Radio talking head Alex Marvez envisions the Bucs making a play for Pierre Garcon

Bucs fans remember Pierre Garcon. He’s the guy that embarassed Aqib Talib last season with two receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns on Monday Night Football in Tampa.

“Pierre Garcon ain’t no slouch,” Talib told eye-RAH! Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune after the Bucs beat the Colts that night.

Well, Alex Marvez, the FOXSports.com analyst who seems to have been the first to know everything the Bucs have done this offseason says he sees Garcon as a prime target for the Bucs in free agency.

Marvez, also an SiriusXM NFL Radio host, was asked on The End Zone today what he thought the Bucs would do out of the gate when the free agency bell rings Tuesday.

“Pierre Garcon to me makes a lot of sense,” Marvez said quickly. ” He provides a speed element of what they don’t have down in Tampa.”

Now whether Marvez has some insider info., Joe has no clue. But Marvez was way ahead of the curve on the Bucs coaching hires over the past several weeks.

Of course, Garcon, entering his fifth season, also seems to fit the Bucs’ yungry goals. Plus he’s got playoff experience, and if he could have a strong season with Curtis Painter throwing him the ball, that says something good to Joe.

Interestingly, Marvez said if Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib return, and the Bucs grab a good free agent cornerback, that the team would have to strongly consider Trent Richardson with the fifth overall pick. Marvez likened LeGarrette Blount to Brandon Jacobs and said there’s no reason Blount and Richardson couldn’t co-exist and be very successful in the offense Greg Schiano will install.

To further a theme Joe put out earlier, Marvez thinks QB Ryan Tannehill will rocket up the draft board and make things interesting at the top of the draft.