Josina Anderson reported via NFL Live on Thursday that Desean Jackson “has expressed a preference to move on from Tampa Bay after this season.”
“I’m told the issues started to fester after the 49ers game,” Anderson said. “Specifically Wednesday, November 28th, when there was an exchange between head coach, Dirk Koetter, and him over not practicing with a hand injury.”
‘Cup of Jo’ on #NFL Live: I’m told that #Bucs WR Desean Jackson has expressed a preference to move on from Tampa Bay after this season & that change may be good to contribute in a new environment. Jackson leads the NFL in YPR at 18.9, but since Wk.4 he’s averaging 10 fewer ypr. pic.twitter.com/5tSPgPwOGZ
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 27, 2018
Jackson’s time with the Buccaneers has seen frustration on both sides as the 32-year-old has seen single-season lows in yards, receptions and yards per catch – except for 2015 when he only played in nine games – while carrying a contract that pays him $33.5 million over three years with $20 million fully guaranteed.
There has also been a stark contrast between his play with Jameis Winston and with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Jackson has eclipsed 100 receiving yards just three times this season, Fitzpatrick starting all of them, and through the first two games of 2018 Jackson had his most productive streak in Tampa, catching all nine of his targets for 275 yards, three touchdowns and 30.6 yards per reception.
Anderson’s comments follow a report from Ian Rapoport in late October that Jackson had requested a trade, but Jackson and his team denied the report. Tampa Bay Times Bucs Beat Writer Rick Stroud wrote in detail about some of the issues Jackson and the Bucs have had including being fined for being late and sleeping in meetings
Jackson’s contract is scheduled to pay him $10 million in 2019.