The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have landed a whale of a free agent, signing wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a five-year deal worth $55.55 million. Here’s ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Vincent Jackson deal in Tampa: 5 yrs, $55.55 million, including $26 million guaranteed, $36 million in 1st 3 yrs, $26 million in 1st 2 yrs.

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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2012

Jackson is coming off a season in which he made 60 catches for 1,106 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns for the San Diego Chargers, earning his second Pro Bowl selection. He now joins a Bucs team sorely in need of an overhaul — they went 4-12 last season and haven’t made the playoffs since 2007.

Jackson had spent his entire seven-year career with the Chargers, who selected him in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly have the edge on signing free-agent wide receiver Vincent Jackson, according to Chicago Sun Times.

The talented wide receiver was made a free-agent when the San Diego Chargers chose not to give him a franchise tag. The 29-year-old has served seven years for the Chargers and has not ruled out a return to the club in 2013.

Currently it is believed that the Buccaneers, the Chicago Bears, and the Washington Redskins are the teams who are pursuing Jackson most heavily. The Bears would like to add a stronger receiving presence for returning quarterback Jay Cutler, while the Redskins would like to have a strong downfield target to pair with Robert Griffin III, who they are likely to take with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.

Last season Jackson hauled in 60 passes for nine touchdowns. His best year came in 2009 when he recorded 68 receptions for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Chicago Bears are reportedly interested in pursuing San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was not tagged as the team’s franchise player, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune also reported that the Bears are interested in Jackson.

At least Bears can pursue Vincent Jackson, who didn't get tagged. Jackson and Cliff Avril appeared to be the top two free agent targets.—
vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 05, 2012

ESPN’s John Clayton also expects the Bears to “make a big run” at Jackson.

Jackson had 60 catches for over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns last season in San Diego.