Patriots miss out on rumored target as DeSean Jackson looks to sign with Buccaneers

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It was reported on Tuesday that the New England Patriots had eyes on former Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson, but it seems they didn’t make a move fast enough.

Per a report this morning by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jackson intends to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The speedy wideout spent the last three seasons with the Redskins, averaging an NFL-best 19.03 yards per catch during those years. This past season he caught 56 passes for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns.

He would have been a good pick-up for the Pats as he has established himself as one of the NFL’s best downfield receivers.

And that seems to be what the Patriots are currently looking for – speed.

This past week, rumors were flying about the team pursuing high-profile receivers like Brandin Cooks, Brandon Marshall and DeSean Jackson. But, Cooks is being looked at by the New Orleans Saints, Jackson is close to signing with the Buccaneers and Marshall just agreed to a deal with the New York Giants yesterday.

These guys all have one thing in common – they can get down the field in a hurry.

The Patriots already have a strong core of wide receivers including Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcom Mitchell and Danny Amendola. So maybe New England is just trying to add another weapon to the mix. Someone who is a deep threat down the field could help add a little extra to the dominant offense.

It doesn’t hurt to look, right?

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