NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Falcons

Buccaneers

• Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times writes that WR DeSean Jackson‘s future with the Buccaneers is clearly in doubt.
• Jackson previously requested a trade out of Tampa Bay and Stroud says it’s to the point where you have to wonder if the Buccaneers want to keep him around.
• In 2019, Jackson is scheduled to make a non-guaranteed $10 million salary, so releasing him wouldn’t result in any dead money.

Cowboys

• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Cowboys LB Sean Lee may not be ready to return next week. Even when Lee is back, his role won’t reduce rookie LB Leighton Vander Esch‘s snaps.

Falcons

Falcons owner Arthur Blank explained that he’s taking a long-term view of the team, despite their 4-8 record on the season.

“It’s difficult for our fans. It’s difficult for the organization. But I take a long view,” Blank said, via Jeff Schultz of The Athletic. “This is a difficult period for the coach. I think back on the years that we’ve had together and the incredible job he’s done. We’re in a difficult time now. But they’ll figure out the answers.”

Blank added that he hasn’t lost faith in HC Dan Quinn for GM Thomas Dimitroff.

“I haven’t lost any faith in Coach Quinn or Thomas,” Blank said. “They’ll do the evaluations that’s needed. . . . (Quinn and Dimitroff) always evaluate at the end of the year. That’s what they do. Whether we’re 16-0 or 0-16, they’ll do that again.”