Jackson, who spent the first seven years of his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, is a two-time Pro Bowler with three 1,000-yard receiving seasons to his name.

The 29-year-old will receive $13m in each of the first two years of his new deal, then $10m in the third year.

The Bucs are looking to rebound under new head coach Greg Schiano after finishing bottom of the NFC South last season with a 4-12 record.

Tampa Bay also brought in former New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks and ex-Detroit Lions cornerback Eric Wright on five-year deals.

Nicks' $47.5m contract, which includes $31m in guarantees, makes the two-time Pro Bowler the highest paid guard in the NFL.

Meachem deal

In an effort to fill the void left by Jackson's exit, the Chargers recruited Robert Meachem on a four-year contract.

Meachem, 27, was a Super Bowl-winner with the Saints in 2010 but has never started more than eight games in any of his five years in the league.

San Diego released another former Pro Bowler, left tackle Marcus McNeill, in an effort to free cap space. McNeill, who has a history of neck injuries, could yet re-sign for the team.

Centre Nick Hardwick, a starter since his rookie season in 2004, has agreed a new three-year contract with the Chargers.