NFL Rumors: Eagles Interested In Signing DeSean Jackson
Photo by: Jeff Fusco
There’s still a few weeks left in the 2016 NFL season, but the offseason rumors have already begun. NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the Eagles are expected to make an effort to bring DeSean Jackson back to Philadelphia this offseason.
“Multiple teams believe Jackson, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, could return to Philadelphia,” said Schefter. “The Eagles would benefit from the addition of a speedy deep threat, and Jackson and Eagles coach Doug Pederson are big admirers of each other, sources said.”
It’s not hard to see why the Eagles might have interest in a Jackson reunion. Philadelphia sorely lacks talent at wide receiver. The team desperately needs to make some upgrades at the position during the offseason.
Jackson might shake free from Washington since the Redskins have to pay Kirk Cousins. Veteran receiver Pierre Garcon is a free agent as well.
Earlier this season, Jackson did not rule out the possibility of signing with Philadelphia despite the fact the team unceremoniously released him in 2014 following a career season. It’s clear Jackson did not like Chip Kelly, but he’s gone now.
“I never really had hard feelings towards Philadelphia,” said Jackson. “As far as being released by whoever released me, that’s different. But I guess he’s not there no more (laughs). So there’s never really been hard feelings towards the city or the team or organization. But like I said, things happen and we move on. I’m blessed to still have an opportunity to be playing at a high level and having a job and still playing at a high level. So never no hard feelings.”
Jackson also praised Pederson and Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. Having Jackson on the roster would give the Eagles’ offense a much-needed deep threat. His career average of 17.5 yards per catch ranks first among active NFL players. The free agent wide receiver market isn’t chock full of options for Jackson could be one of the best choices for Philadelphia.
Signing Jackson could make sense for the Eagles, but there are some concerns as well. Jackson recently turned 30 years old and it’s fair to wonder how his speed will hold up as he continues to age. The off-the-field reasons that played into Jackson’s release are also worth considering. And then there’s the fact Jackson has only played in all 16 games twice during his nine-year NFL career.
The Eagles have plenty of time to weigh their wide receiver options prior to the start of free agency in March 2017. It’ll be interesting to see if there’s substance to a Jackson reunion just a few years after the star receiver was cut by the Eagles.