The New England Patriots lack a true vertical threat in the passing game and as the trade deadline nears, Bill Belichick and company could be in the market for a wide receiver.

According to Bleacher Report, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have said they will listen to phone calls for wide receiver Vincent Jackson and the Patriots are on the short list of teams that could be interested in the 31-year-old’s service.

Jacksin would be an ideal fit for the Patriots as they haven't have a true deep threat on their team since the days of Randy Moss not too long ago. The Patriots offense requires a player that can stretch the field vertically and that is simply something they are lacking with this current stable of receivers.

Jackson is owed about $5 million this season and the Patriots find themselves about $9 million under the salary cap. The only thing that could hold back a potential trade is if New England finds the potential draft picks they would have to trade, too rich for their blood.

Jackson currently has 25 catches for 344 yards and two touchdowns for the Buccaneers this season and came to the team from the San Diego Chargers in 2012. The NFL trade deadline is October 28 and the league could be looking at one of it’s more active deadlines in some time.

[Bleacher Report]

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