In the end, Vincent Jackson felt wanted by his new team, something his former team just couldn’t match.

Armed with the most salary-cap space in the league, the Buccaneers targeted Jackson at the onset of free agency. That strategy forced other teams to peel away in their pursuit of Jackson, believing he would ultimately end up in Tampa, and resulted in a five-year contract worth nearly $56 million, with $26 million guaranteed.

If the Chargers wanted Jackson, it appears they had their chance. Jackson told NFL Network Wednesday the Chargers made a late push, but it wasn’t enough.

“They were there at the end,” Jackson said. “We pretty much told them exactly what was going on, what was on the table. They had a choice to make. And, obviously, I think Tampa was so aggressive and made it known so early in this game (with) a 4 p.m. ET hit how serious they were about me. San Diego, I don’t think, could match that.”

Given this was Jackson’s first shot at free agency, the Chargers likely faced stiff odds against his desire to make a choice. But knowing what they wanted — and don’t forget those deep pockets — paid off for the Bucs.

“It was nice to have an opportunity to pick a team that really wanted me there, and is in the process of doing some big things,” Jackson added. “ I couldn’t be happier to be here in Tampa.”

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It could be what the Titans can offer Peyton Manning after his career is done that becomes Tennessee’s ace in the hole.

Titans owner Bud Adams is not in Wednesday’s meeting with Manning at team headquarters, but he’s made it clear he’ll do whatever it takes to land the quarterback. That includes a blank check financially, and a promise Manning could be part of the Tennessee Titans’ organization after his playing days are through.

Manning is not the type of guy who wants to be a media personality after he retires. He loves the game and might want a management role with a team.

The Titans can offer this. The Broncos, who already have John Elway entrenched in an executive decision-making position, cannot.

That might be at the heart of Tennessee’s sales pitch.

– Michael Lombardi
Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi.

The Patriots will sign former Bengals DT Jonathan Fanene, according to league sources.

The Patriots are fond of veteran defensive linemen, and Fanene, 29, is a fit to play inside at tackle in the team’s nickel packages to take pressure off Vince Wilfork. Fanene played in all 16 games for the Bengals last season, his seventh in Cincinnati, registering 6.5 sacks.

– Michael Lombardi

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The Eagles, Jets and Patriots are interested in former Redskins safety LaRon Landry on a short-term deal, according to league sources.

All three teams have a need for a physical safety like Landry who can play close to the line of scrimmage. He’s a talented player who can impact the game and make plays on every level of the defense. I see a little bit of Troy Polamalu in Landry’s game.

A fourth team, the Lions, might also have interest.

The key for whatever team signs him is to keep him healthy so he can play 16 games and maximize his skills on the field and not in the training room.

– Michael Lombardi

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The Cowboys have found their backup quarterback to Tony Romo.

The team agreed to a three-year contract Wednesday with Kyle Orton, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Orton, of course, spent the final three games of last season starting for the Chiefs after he was waived by the Broncos.

The Cowboys have invested in Orton, and this is a good move.

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Reggie Wayne‘s absence from the Colts’ roster didn’t last long, as the receiver agreed to a three-year deal to return to the team on the first day of free agency, a team source told NFL Network’s Albert Breer.

Wayne’s deal is worth $17.5 million, NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported, citing a league source. Wayne will receive a $7.5 million signing bonus and be paid $13.5 million during the first two years of the deal.

“REGGIE! REGGIE! REGGIE!!!!!!!” Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted after news of the deal leaked.

Many believed Wayne, who has 11,708 receiving yards and 73 touchdowns in 11 seasons with the Colts, would follow QB Peyton Manning wherever he went. But league sources told Breer earlier Tuesday that really wasn’t the case, and they proved to be right as the five-time Pro Bowl receiver returned to Indy.

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Serving as the top backup QB in Jacksonville isn’t the worst position to be in right now.

The Jaguars would be attractive to any backup quarterback, especially a young one who would basically get the chance to resurrect his career. That holds true for Chad Henne, who was having a decent season in 2011 before he was injured.

Clearly, Blaine Gabbert struggled as a rookie. If that happens again under new coach Mike Mularkey, a player like Henne could have a shot at a renaissance. Henne is scheduled to meet with the Jaguars before visiting the Seahawks.

If Henne gets the chance, a season in Jacksonville could improve his market value and boost the odds that he’ll start again in the future.

– Michael Lombardi

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The Browns have likely fallen short in their quest to make Robert Griffin III their franchise quarterback, but life goes on in Cleveland.

Finding a new QB is one of the Browns’ top needs. Cleveland, Seattle and Miami all are potential suitors for free agent Matt Flynn, though nothing has as yet materialized, according to NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

The Cardinals could decide to part ways with Kevin Kolb after one season, and Browns general manager Tom Heckert knows him well from their time together in Philadelphia. Kolb — minus the hype that accompanied his arrival in Arizona last season — could come to Cleveland and compete with Colt McCoy for the starting job, according to La Canfora.

NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi believes the Browns need to find someone they can build their offense around.

“Obviously, I thought they should’ve gotten involved with Robert Griffin III; they didn’t, they weren’t able to make that trade,” Lombardi said on “NFL Total Access.” “So I think they’re going to look at Ryan Tannehill. He’s the hot guy in the draft right now. Everybody seems to think he’ll be a top-10 pick.”

Lombardi also said the Browns could be in the market for a running back. Peyton Hillis might be signing a short-term deal in the coming days, but it easily could be with a team other than the Browns.

The Redskins are making significant moves to upgrade at wide receiver on the first day of free agency.

The Redskins have agreed to terms with WR Josh Morgan on a two-year deal worth more than $6 million per season.

Morgan only played in five games last season, catching 15 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown, but has good speed and size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) and could put up big numbers playing in Mike Shanahan’s offense.

Morgan is still just 26 years old and drew a lot of interest. The Redskins want to acquire three receivers. With fellow free agent WR Pierre Garcon announcing his intent to sign with the Redskins, the team has already added two to work with Robert Griffin III, expected to be their choice with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft.

– Michael Lombardi

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As teams were preparing for WR Vincent Jackson to sign with the Buccaneers, his former team — the Chargers — had jumped in the hunt for WR Laurent Robinson, per a league source.

Robinson also has a visit scheduled with the Jaguars, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.

Robinson broke out after signing with the Cowboys in September and made himself a target on the free-agent market by finishing with 54 receptions for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Jackson signed a five-year deal with the Buccaneers later Tuesday.

– Albert Breer

Follow Albert Breer on Twitter @AlbertBreer

Brandon Marshall will join some familiar faces in Chicago, and history suggests he’ll be right at home playing with former Denver teammate Jay Cutler under the direction of quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates.

Bears CB Charles Tillman, one of the ranking members of the team’s defense, told NFL Network on Tuesday the addition of Marshall makes Chicago a contender in the NFC North.

“I thought it was a good move on Coach (Lovie) Smith‘s part to trade for him,” Tillman said. “I really think the pieces are finally starting to fall together.”

Not only did the Bears finally land the big receiver Cutler has pined for, it cost them just two third-round draft picks to acquire a player with whom the quarterback already has experienced success.

“I’m sure Jay is ecstatic right now,” Tillman added. “He’s got Brandon (Marshall), he’s got Jeremy Bates, so it’s starting to look like Denver again. I’m sure he’s thrilled.”

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The Seahawks and DL Red Bryant agreed to terms Tuesday on a five-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually, according to league sources.

The Seahawks later confirmed the deal.

Bryant was one of the most popular free agents on the market and was drawing interest from several teams because of his physical play and ability to stop the run.

Bryant doesn’t have the statistics of some other players, but he’s a good pass rusher and has an impact on the field. He’s an interesting player, even if his numbers don’t reflect what coaches see on film.

Bryant is a perfect fit for what Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wants to do on defense. This is a good fit for both sides.

– Michael Lombardi

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It’s already been reported that former Dolphins QB Chad Henne will visit the Jaguars, and that is still happening. But you can also add the Seahawks to Henne’s list, according to a source.

I’m told the Jets have also expressed interest, but sources said finances will likely keep them from being serious players. The Jets likely can’t afford the price tag that Henne is expected to command, whether he lands in Jacksonville, Seattle or with another suitor.

Of course, that could change if Henne’s market value drops. But that’s where things stand right now.

– Jeff Darlington

Follow Jeff Darlington on Twitter @JeffDarlington

Put the brakes on the speculation that Mario Williams will call Soldier Field home in 2012.

Chicago appears to have fallen out of the hunt for the star defensive end, with the cash-flush Buffalo Bills now appearing to have the upper hand.

After trading for WR Brandon Marshall earlier Tuesday, it’s unclear if the Bears can afford Williams, who’s expected to land a substantial contract.

– Michael Lombardi

The Cowboys are in the market for a cornerback after releasing Terence Newman, and have their sights set on former Chiefs CB Brandon Carr.

The Cowboys and Carr are working toward a deal with a big number, which might end up being worth more than $7 million per season, according to league sources. I expect this deal to get done.

Carr is a clear upgrade over Newman. He’s not particularly fast, but will be a good fit in the Cover-2 scheme that DC Rob Ryan utilizes.

– Michael Lombardi

Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi