DeSean Jackson

Buccaneers OC sends DeSean Jackson strong message: ‘You came here because of the money’

Published May. 23, 2017 4:59 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a terrific offseason, and it all started with the signing of DeSean Jackson. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Jackson is still one of the best deep threats in the NFL.

As a complement to Mike Evans’ physical style of play, the Buccaneers couldn’t have asked for a better fit offensively. They made sure to land him, too, by throwing a whole bunch of money in his direction. He signed a three-year, $33.5 million deal with the Bucs with $20 million guaranteed.

The money is substantial, and the coaching staff wants to make sure it gets the biggest bang for the buck this upcoming season. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken sent a strong message to Jackson on Thursday, which is certain to motivate the veteran receiver.

“I’ve told him that, ‘We have paid you a hell of a lot of money to be a damn good player. We’re not paying you a lot of money, this is a contract where we’re paying you for what you’ve done for us … we’re not paying like [Derek] Jeter the last three years … we don’t have any old street cred that we’re paying you. No. We need you to be a great player now. Okay? That’s why we gave you the money,'" Monken said, via the Tampa Bay Times.

The Buccaneers didn’t waste any time signing Jackson, preventing any other teams from getting a real good look at him. However, had Tampa Bay not signed him, he certainly would have caught on elsewhere, just not for as much money.

Monken acknowledges that Jackson received the largest contract from the Buccaneers, and now he wants to be repaid with a solid season.

“You came here because of the money,” Monken added. “Don’t give me all that bull about you came here because of the weather and Jameis. No. You came here because we paid you the most. You need to play like that. He gets that. He’s smart enough to understand that.’’

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DeSean Jackson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

National Football League