Tanard Jackson told PewterReport.com on the day of release that he would love to play for former head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Bruce Allen again. Friday morning Jackson got his wish and signed a deal with the Washington Redskins.
“I would definitely be open to rejoining with Bruce Allen – Mr. Allen – and Coach Morris up there,” Jackson, a Maryland native, told PewterReport.com shortly after his release on Tuesday. “But there is no guarantee with that just because he (Allen) drafted me and I played with Coach Morris. I’m just going to keep my eyes open and see whatever the best situation is for me and I’ll take.”
Jackson’s release on Tuesday was officially for a failed physical. And while Jackson did in fact have offseason shoulder surgery, the underlying reason was thought to be Jackson’s lack of dedication to the rehab process and his missing of the first week of voluntary mini-camp that began April 2.
“As an organization we have decided to terminate – with a failed physical – Tanard Jackson,” Dominik told the media on Tuesday. “This was a decision we decided to make for the football team and just for our organization. We obviously talked to Tanard today and wished him the best on his future endeavors and with his next organization, but it’s something we felt like we wanted to do and needed to do.”
“What is important to us as an organization is the growth of our football players and how the handle the on and off the field (stuff) to become the best Buccaneer possible. That’s what we’re looking for. To become the best Buccaneer possible – that’s what growth is. We want the growth of this football team to accelerate – and that’s what this is about.”
Jackson rejoined the Buccaneers last October 11 after serving a 56-week suspension for violation of the leagues substance abuse policy that caused him to miss 19 games. The suspension was Jackson’s second of his career. Dominik made it clear the release was in no way drug related or related to past issues with failed drug tests. In 2011, Jackson was second on the team with two interceptions, in addition to posting 46 tackles, one tackle for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery after returning to action against New Orleans.
Jackson entered the league with the Buccaneers as a fourth-round pick (106th overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft. For his career, Jackson started 56 games recording 324 tackles, 10 interceptions, five forced fumbles, two sacks and two touchdowns.
Jackson, who signed a one-year contract extension last year, was scheduled to earn $2 million in base salary and this move clears an additional $2 million in salary cap space.
The move leaves the Bucs thin at the safety position with only Cody Grimm, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, along with unproven players in Ahmad Black, Larry Asante and Devin Holland. Tampa Bay could also move recently re-signed cornerback Ronde Barber to safety as he does have some experience playing the position.
x close























COMMENTS
April 14, 2012
5:03 am
April 13, 2012
10:25 pm
April 13, 2012
10:03 pm
April 13, 2012
5:53 pm
April 13, 2012
2:41 pm
April 13, 2012
2:23 pm
April 13, 2012
2:05 pm
April 13, 2012
1:49 pm
April 13, 2012
12:37 pm
April 15, 2012
11:55 am