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NFL Free Agency: Grading All the Moves from Day One

By Eric Gamboa

Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL free agency
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) prior to action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson, former Washington Redskins wide receiver, is an extremely fast WR with the capability to go get the deep ball. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been needing to find a complimentary piece for quarterback James Winston.

Winston already has an incredible WR in Mike Evans. Evans is a big-bodied WR who often draws double coverage due to his size and skill.

Now, with Jackson lined up opposite to Evans defenses will be unable to double cover the deadly duo.

Per PFF, Jackson was awarded a grade of 77.0, which is excellent considering he’s 30 years old. Now, there is some risk involved with this signing as much of Jackson’s game is relies on his uncanny speed.

As long as Jackson maintains his velocity, he is an asset.

Last season, Jackson showed no signs of slowing up so chances are his speed should hold up for a few more seasons barring injury. Also, Tampa Bay front loaded his contract for the first two seasons, so Jackson can essentially be let go in year three of his deal.

Jackson and Evans combined gives the Bucs the fuel to keep up with offensive firepower of the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. DESEAN JACKSON. B+. The signing of DeSean Jackson by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is a good balance of reward but also risk. Still, the scales balance more towards reward as there have been no signs in Jackson losing a step and the Bucs smartly front loaded Jackson’s 3-yr contract. If Jackson brings his cheetah-like speed, and Evans bullies DBs, Winston will have a blast throwing the football in 2017.. WR

PFF grades provided courtesy of Pro Football Focus.