Outside of the Peyton Manning circus, the most expensive guy in free agency likely will be Vincent Jackson, the soon-to-be former Chargers receiver who is a true No. 1 receiver/deep threat in his prime.

The Bucs could use a guy like that.

Rockstar general manager Mark Dominik has said in various ways that the Bucs need to do more for Josh Freeman. Of course, those could have been references to coaching and playcalling, but it also could mean buying Freeman a proven weapon. And the latter is on the way if you believe a report last night in the Chicago Sun Times.

Reporter Sean Jensen has a source telling him the Bucs are ready to blitz Jackson with what surely will be a longterm, $10 million+ annual deal with lots of guarantees.

The Bears, Bucs and Redskins are thought to be the most aggressive bidders for two-time Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. According to a league source, the Bucs have the inside track to land Jackson, with the Bears among the serious suitors who might come up short.

What makes this so intriguing is the Bucs potentially battling the Redskins and Danny Snyder in a spending showdown — Team Glazer vs. Snyder, Bruce Allen vs. Dominik.

The Bucs’ salary-cap well is deeper, and one would think Freeman would be a more attractive quarterback than any rookie the Redskins will trot out there next season.

If Jackson actually visits Washington, Joe wonders if Team Snyder will let Raheem Morris have a little talk to Jackson about Tampa Bay.