NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been fielding phone calls from teams interested in trading for Vincent Jackson.
Coach Lovie Smith addressed the report on Monday, falling well short of an outright denial.
Even if the Bucs aren't actively shopping Jackson, Rapoport has been told they are "open to anything" even though the star wide receiver is highly valued by the team's brass.
That's certainly a sensible approach.
The Buccaneers have just one win and the second-worst point differential in the league. Smith recently conceded the franchise is still building a foundation for the future.
Jackson has been Tampa Bay's best offensive player over the past three years. He's also a team leader and respected in the community.
On the flip side, he was signed by the previous regime. He turns 32 years old in January and carries a $12.2 million salary-cap number for 2015. Among qualified wide receivers, the 58.9 passer rating on throws in his direction is dead last, per Pro Football Focus.
The bottom line is general manager Jason Licht is under no pressure to trade Jackson, but he's willing to be blown away by an offer from a better team in need of a physical receiver capable of making plays outside the numbers, in the slot and down the field.
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