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2018 NFL Trade Deadline: One player on the block for each team

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 21: DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a catch during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

. WR. Buccaneers. DeSean Jackson. 30. player. 48

Tampa Bay went from the surprise team of the season to a team likely on the outside of the playoff race. Fitzmagic was fun for the first couple games, but it quickly wore off. Even the return of Jameis Winston hasn’t gotten the Bucs back to where many thought they should have been. The defense has been horrible and the firing of defensive coordinator Mike Smith puts a cherry on top of the situation. Realistically, the Buccaneers won’t be in the playoffs this year and the front office needs to look towards the future.

One of the veterans unlikely to return next year is wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The former Eagles star continues to make plays despite turning 32 later this season. His contract for next season consists of a $10 million salary that can be moved on from with no hit to the salary cap. He’s essentially a free agent at the end of the year. Tampa Bay can clear playing time for Chris Godwin, their leading touchdown getter, to grow alongside Mike Evans.

Jackson likely won’t cost much on the trade market, perhaps a conditional late round pick based on his health. With his slight build and history of hamstring injuries, any trade involving Jackson will likely have some sort of games played condition.

Now is the time for Tampa Bay to move on from Jackson and get what they can so they can build a championship team down the road.

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