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Luckily, Vincent Jackson's free agency didn't last long. For all the talk about wanting to go to a good team and that money wasn't an issue, Jackson has signed with the team that has the most salary cap room and would offer him the largest contract.
Bucs getting after it. Reach agreement with WR Vincent Jackson & making push for Curtis Lofton & Carl Nicks.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncanTP) March 13, 2012
The playmaking WR will be paired with QB Josh Freeman, WR Mike Williams and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. to make for a formidable passing attack. The aforementioned Lofton would help a Tampa Bay defense that desperately needs it, and Carls Nicks would be a rock in the middle of their offensive line to keep Freeman on the field (which has been an issue).
Now the Chargers really don't have to worry about keeping cap space open for Jackson. If my earlier scenarios were the two most likely outcomes, then Mario Williams becomes a much bigger and more important target for the San Diego Chargers than he was just hours ago.
ESPN's Adam Shefter later tweeted the details of the deal.
Vincent Jackson deal in Tampa: 5 yrs, $55.55 million, including $26 million guaranteed, $36 million in 1st 3 yrs, $26 million in 1st 2 yrs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012