Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers: How to Replace the Production of Vincent Jackson

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

With Vincent Jackson on IR, where are the Buccaneers going to find the production?

More from The Pewter Plank

A veteran wide receiver can be a young quarterback’s best friend. That was the case when the Buccaneers drafted Jameis Winston. Unfortunately, Vincent Jackson has his first season with Winston cut short due to injury.

There was a lot of excitement heading into 2016 as “V Jax” returned from injury. He and Mike Evans were going to team up to take this offense to greater heights than they achieved in their record-setting 2015 campaign.

Unfortunately that was not to be, as Jackson was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Now, we have all seen the inconsistent work of the Bucs’ offense so far in 2016. To be fair, Jackson wasn’t great when healthy, only posting 15 catches and not registering a touchdown.

But, the fact of the matter is that they have to replace his production, whatever that production might be. Where is it going to come from? We went round the table to discuss the topic.

As always, one slide dedicated to each staff member.

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Adam Humphries (11) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Keeping it In House

It might not be the popular idea, but it probably makes the most sense for the Bucs to stay with their in-house choices for a boost in the absence of Vincent Jackson. Lacking the veteran presence that he brings will be tough, but he had been having a down year. Making up for his production won’t exactly be an impossible task.

Adam Humphries is going to slide up to Jackson’s No. 2 spot, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Humphries has been solid this year, so it will be interesting to see how he responds to moving up the depth chart. With Cecil Shorts and Louis Murphy soon returning from injury, Tampa Bay is also set to get some experience back. Aside from the returning veterans, I’d like to see the Bucs get the tight ends more involved. Cameron Brate has been reliable this year, but it doesn’t seem like he’s getting enough targets. Perhaps Brandon Myers could get a chance to step up as well.

Turning to guys already on the roster isn’t the most exciting move, but it makes sense. The Bucs aren’t necessarily in a “win now” situation, so trading for players that would likely turn out to be rentals just doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.

–Bailey Adams

Oct 25, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) runs after a catch against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Louis Murphy Returns

With Vincent Jackson being placed on IR, I believe the Bucs will find a boost in their wide receiver core from within. Yes, I do not believe they will be out fishing for new players to bring in. Coach Koetter has said that guys on the streets now are typically there for a reason, and let’s be honest it’s true. You’re not gonna find the next best thing in free agency mid-way through the season.

With the return of Louis Murphy it gives the Bucs a much-needed boost due to the fact he can play outside. Mike Evans obviously solidifies one outside receiver… but Adam Humphries is only a slot man. You’re not going to see him outside. Period. Murphy has had a few years in the system, and even with a recovering ACL he’s the best option. Unfortunately force feeding Mike Evans like we did in 2015 seems to be what’s going to happen. Let’s hope that this upcoming draft we take a receiver early.

–Zach Sauers

Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Patriots win over the Panthers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Some Outside Options

With Vincent Jackson on the IR, where can the Bucs find a boost for their wide receivers?For the second straight season an injury to Vincent Jackson has put the Bucs in a difficult spot. The team gambled in the off-season on the aging V-Jax in hopes that they could hold off drafting a receiver for another year. That gamble has failed, so now what?At this point, pickings from outside the organization are slim. There simply aren’t many talented guys walking the street that can come in, pick up Dirk Koetter’s playbook, and be effective on Sunday. Roddy White is a name that’s been tossed around for obvious reasons, but his days of being effective are long behind him and it’s not a stretch to say that Louis Murphy and Russell Shepard are better options.Kenny Bell who is already familiar with the offense could be scooped from the Ravens’ practice squad, but that feels like a long-shot. Aaron Dobson is another name that jumps to mind, formerly a 2nd round pick of the New England Patriots. Dobson is a free agent now and his physical talent could draw the Buccaneers interest.The players most likely to replace Vincent Jackson are in-house however. Adam Humphries, Cecil Shorts, Russell Shepard and Louis Murphy are all going to be called upon to fill the void left by V-Jax, and the trajectory of the Bucs’ offense depends on them being effective.–Michael Horan Next: A Call to the Desert

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Floyd (15) celebrates with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) after scoring a touchdown in the second half against the New York Jets at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

A Call to the Desert

The loss of Vincent Jackson was a devastating one. Not because of production, seeing as how Jackson was having his worst statistical year as a Buc, but from a veteran and leadership perspective. The Buccaneers are not going to be able to replace that in 2016.

That being said, they have to find a way to add a weapon to this offense to help this year. There aren’t any Pro Bowl receivers walking the streets that will come in and help right now. It’s not happening. Roddy White isn’t the answer as he would provide little to no increase in production we were seeing out of VJax.

So what do they do?

It makes some sense for Jason Licht to call up his buddies in Arizona and try to see if they can work a deal for Michael Floyd. Although Bruce Arians loves running high-octane passing offenses, the road to success in Arizona now goes through David Johnson and it appears Floyd is the forgotten man. John Brown is an emerging star and the ultimate complimentary piece to Larry Fitzgerald.

Floyd will be a free agent next year, so the price wouldn’t be steep. Combining him with Mike Evans could be the start of a formidable duo in Tampa Bay, assuming they could get a new contract worked out and Floyd stays longer than just the 2016 season. If they were able to get him for a conditional late round pick, it’s fair to say the Bucs would not likely find the caliber of receiver Floyd is on day three of the 2017 NFL draft.

Licht has been masterful and moving up and down in the draft, so losing one pick in October doesn’t mean he won’t recoup that pick – maybe more – come draft weekend. It’s a risk that could reap huge rewards and gives Jameis Winston a legitimate threat opposite Evans, which will only create more opportunities for Evans moving forward.

–James Yarcho

Oct 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) reacts after catching a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Atlanta, 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

A Surprise Trade?

The idea would be for Jason Licht to make a run at Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham.

Currently sitting second on Seattle’s chart for catches and yards, Graham simply hasn’t had the impact the franchise hoped he would. Considering their play style is very largely predicated on controlling the ball and running it, I’m not surprised.

In 2015 had just two touchdown catches which was three fewer than he had his rookie season when he only brought in 31 total passes the entire year.

This season he is on pace to better his 2015 numbers, but not by much.

His presence coming from an in-line position or even split outside would force teams to respect the seams a lot more than they do now which would only serve to open things downfield for Mike Evans and underneath for Adam Humphries.

The Bucs don’t have much in young talent to send to the North-West in return so draft compensation would be steep, and they may even be able to sneak Johnthan Banks in on a deal sending him to a squad who believes they can get the best out of any defensive back.

With the trade deadline just a bit over one week away this would have to happen quickly, which doesn’t bode well for its actual possibility. But it’s fun to imagine.

–David Harrison

Oct 4, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Percy Harvin (18) runs after a catch during the second half against the New York Giants at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Giants beat the Bills 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Some Varied Possibilities

The Bucs apparently don’t realize that injuries do occur in the NFL and depth is a necessary feature of a successful NFL franchise. For the second year in a row Vincent Jackson has gotten injured and will miss significant time and most likely the rest of the season. The Bucs have not drafted a receiver that is still on the roster except for Mike Evans. All of the remaining are undrafted wide receivers or Cecil Shorts. Someone has to step up to take his place.

I would be open to the Bucs signing an older veteran free agent like Marques Colston, Roddy White, or James Jones but I feel like if they were going to go into that direction they would have already. One name that I would’ve loved to see is Percy Harvin, but due to injuries he is likely to remain retired.

Ultimately I believe that the Bucs are going to stick to their guns and utilize what they have in-house. The best player of the group is Cecil Shorts III. Shorts has had some productive seasons in the past, 2012 being the best.

–Brian DeFeo

Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) catches the ball as Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Nick Marshall (41) attempts to tackle during the second half at EverBank Field. Atlanta defeated Jacksonville 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The White Move

It has been talked about. It has been suggested. It makes sense and would be a good fit, so why not? Let’s bring Roddy White in.

As I said earlier in this, a veteran wide receiver is a young quarterback’s best friend. Without Vincent Jackson, the Bucs are lacking in that regard. Louis Murphy is a veteran, but he is not a guy that I would count on. He just doesn’t have that history. With 808 catches to his credit, White is a player that the Bucs could count on. He is only two years removed from an 80 catch season (2014).

He has a nose for the end zone, with 63 career touchdown receptions. He’s a veteran that won’t be the type they will sign long-term, so they can still draft and develop a younger player. Jason Licht, make the move.

–Alan Schechter

You have heard our thoughts, what are yours? How should the Bucs replace the production of Vincent Jackson.

This article originally appeared on