With just a couple days left before the NFL trading deadline, and having already made a deal for linebacker Akeem Ayers, New England could be looking into a much more sexy midseason trade.
According to NFL Network, the Patriots are among "more than 4 teams calling around" with interest in Tampa Bay wide receiver Vincent Jackson. NFLN also listed the Eagles, Seahawks and Chiefs as having looked into a possible deal for the veteran Pro Bowl receiver.
CSNNE.com previously reported that the Patriots had looked into a trade for Jackson years ago when he was still a member of the Chargers.
At 6-5, 230, Jackson is a big-bodied, big-play target. The 31 year old has averaged better than 17 yards per catch over his nine-plus NFL seasons in San Diego and Tampa Bay.
Jackson has 25 catches for 344 yards and two touchdowns this fall for the rebuilding Bucs, his third season in Tampa. He is on the books for nearly $10 million for each of the next two years after this one due to the massive five-year, $55-million deal he signed to bolt the Chargers for the Bucs in the spring of 2012.
Jackson notched 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and hasn't missed a game since 2010.
While the Patriots have lacked a big-play outside threat since dealing away Randy Moss, New England has gotten contributions in that area of late from both Brandon LaFell and Brian Tyms.
Should the Patriots trade for Jackson? What would you give up? Let us know with a comment below!
