Just like every offseason, rumors are constantly floating around; most of them have little to no actual merit, but others could actually transpire.  Of those was the rumor that Falcon's bad-boy cornerback DeAngelo Hall might join up with his rivals in Tampa Bay.  The Bucs never gave any official word of talking with Hall, but he seemed to be on the staff's radar.

Unfortunately for the Bucs, that deal has fallen through, as reports indicate that Hall signed with the Raiders earlier in the week.  Oakland appears to be actively trying to improve themselves, whereas the Bucs seem to be taking the wait-and-see approach.

But in the old rumor's place arises a new one: former Seahawk receiver D.J. Hackett.  Apparently, Hackett is scheduled to visit with the Bucs on Thursday, at which time he will talk with the training staff, and, of course, the head man himself, Jon Gruden.

The Bucs' woes at wide receiver are no mystery.  In fact, the team was one injured Joey Galloway away from total offensive devastation.  Maurice Stovall hasn't been able to put the pieces together, and Michael Clayton, although improving, is nowhere near his rookie form.  That said, the Bucs need D.J. Hackett.

The 26-year old wide-out spent most of last season on the sidelines with an ankle injury, but totaled 364 yards on 32 receptions in those six games.  In two of those games he went for over 100 yards.

Although young, Hackett's numbers have steadily risen over his career.  He was on pace to shatter his career high for yards in a season before suffering the injury in 2007.  At 6'2", 208 pounds, he isn't an overly large target, and he isn't too keen on running hard slants over the middle, either.  However, he does have some speed, athleticism, and tremendous hands.  If he were to join up with the Bucs, he would most likely be the team's number two receiver behind Galloway.

However, the Bucs aren't the only team in the running for Hackett.  The Redskins and Panthers both have expressed interest and set up meetings with him, and he himself has stated that remaining in Seattle is an option.  It would appear that he isn't disgruntled, just simply exploring his options.

Two things are almost certain if he signs with the Buccaneers: he will start, and he will make a nice chunk of money.  With little talent behind Galloway, Hackett will jump in and start in front of Michael Clayton (sure, Gruden loves the fact that the Clayton can block, but that's about the only skill the kid has these days).

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