The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed safety Tanard Jackson to a one-year contract extension which will keep him in red-and-pewter through the 2012 season, reports Pat Yasinskas of ESPN. Jackson, 26, returned to the Bucs in September after serving a one-year suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Jackson's extension raises his salary for the 2011 season to $1 million; previously, he was due $750,000, according to Yasinskas. In 2012, he'll earn at least $2 million, with incentives that could add an additional $1 million: if he's on the Bucs' roster when the season starts, he qualifies for a $200,000 bonus. In addition, he'll earn $50,000 for each subsequent game he's on Tampa Bay's 53-man roster.
Tampa Bay is showing a lot of faith in the talented but troubled safety; Jackson can reward that faith by staying out of trouble and maintaining his strong play. He's already off to a great start, with six tackles and two interceptions in two games since returning to the club.