Report: Arians hopes to keep WR Jackson with Bucs

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians is making a concerted effort to keep wide receiver DeSean Jackson on the team, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Per the report, Arians intends to "re-recruit" Jackson and "convince him he can be a big part of the offense," after the wideout reportedly soured on his fit with the Bucs in 2018.

ESPN reported before the season finale that Jackson told the team he want out of his contract so he can play elsewhere in 2019.

Jackson, 32, remains under contract for $10 million in 2019 -- the last year of his deal -- but he has no guaranteed money remaining. The team could release or trade him without incurring any dead money.

Jackson led all qualified receivers with 18.9 yards per receptions this year -- the fourth time he has done so in his career -- but he was far more productive with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback than Jameis Winston, who Arians has said he intends to build around in 2019. He caught 41 passes for 774 yards and four touchdowns.

However, Arians' offense is known for its downfield passing and aggressiveness, which would seem to fit Jackson's skill set well.

Jackson holds the NFL record for most career 60-plus-yard touchdowns with 24, and he's averaged 17.4 yards per catch in his career, the highest mark among all active players.

--Field Level Media