The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into the free agency period with more cap space than any team in the league and they are expected to be big players in free agency to patch holes on a team that was a mere 4-12 last season. They’ve started out by signing arguably the best free agent not named “Peyton” or “Mario,” signing Vincent Jackson to be their #1 wide receiver and much needed deep threat (career 17.5 YPC). Jackson will start opposite Mike Williams, more of a possession receiver. If new Head Coach Greg Schiano can get Williams into shape, Josh Freeman has a pretty solid receiving corps to work with in Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams, and Kellen Winslow.

Did the Buccaneers overpay by giving Jackson 55.5 million over 5 years with 26 million guaranteed? Maybe a little, but not as much as the Redskins did giving Pierre Garcon 42.5 million with 21 million guaranteed over the same time period. Garcon has never had 1000 yards in a season. Jackson has done that 3 times, including 60 catches for 1106 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. Besides, the Buccaneers had the money to spend.

There are a few concerns here. How will Jackson do without Philip Rivers, ones of the game’s best? Secondly, free agent wide receivers never seem to do as well in their new venue as their old. Thirdly, Jackson is 29 so this contract (assuming he plays the entirety of it out) takes him into his age 33 season.

Finally, how will Jackson respond to a large amount of money? He’s been wanting to get paid for years and rightfully so. He deserves it. However, he held out for most of the 2010 season after not being given a long term deal. There was also some speculation that he would hold up the lockout by demanding the Chargers couldn’t franchise tag him. Combine those 2 things with the fact that Jackson had no problem leaving San Diego for 4 win Tampa Bay and you’ve got a guy who may just be chasing the money. For a Buccaneer team with a lot of money and a lot of help needed, I think Jackson is worth the risk.

Grade: B