The Los Angeles Rams already have been hammered for giving free-agent wide receiver Robert Woods a five-year deal worth a guaranteed $15 million.
So as aging Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Vincent Jackson looks to continue his career, the Rams better be ready for more criticism if they express interest.
Jackson has had a fantastic career, amassing six 1,000-yard seasons in Tampa Bay. His last came in 2014 when he finished with 1,002 yards on 70 receptions.
That included, however, 142 targets and just two touchdowns.
Since then, Jackson’s stats have taken a nosedive. He had just 33 receptions for 543 yards and three TDs in 10 games in 2015. Last season, Jackson played just five games and finished with 15 receptions for 173 yards and no scores.
Yet according to Sportrac (h/t RamsWire), the 34-year-old Jackson’s market value is a lofty $4.6 million.
Here’s what ESPN.com had to say about Jackson when he indicated a desire to play in 2017: “Jackson, who turned 34 in January, saw a noticeable decline in his play for the Bucs in 2016, the final year of his five-year, $55.55 million contract. He appeared a step or two slower and wasn’t making the difficult, leaping catches that fans had grown accustomed to seeing. He caught 15 passes for 173 yards.”
That assessment doesn’t exactly breed a lot of confidence about his joining a unit that is considered one of the lesser groups at the position in the NFL. The two main reasons for the Rams to gamble on Jackson would be his 6-foot-5 frame, which would create a stark contrast from the 6-foot Woods and the 5-8 Tavon Austin. Jackson also brings a lot of wisdom and experience into the locker room, having played 12 NFL seasons.
Unless Los Angeles can get him on the cheap—not have any other franchise show much interest—it likely would be taking a gamble that Jackson can revert to his productive seasons.
L.A. shouldn’t be that desperate for a wide receiver. … yet!
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