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So it looks like DeSean Jackson’s love affair with the Eagles is set to be reignited.
It’s been a rough couple of years for the former second-round pick in Tampa Bay. Between injuries and having a quarterback in Jameis Winston throwing him the ball, Jackson will feel he has a point to prove. His full potential was never really fully exploited, partially because of the role head coach Dirk Koetter laid out for him.
This wasn’t just a one-sided story, Jackson was fined for being late and sleeping in meetings, an indication that he wasn’t overly keen to play in Tampa Bay. This trend continued as he signalled that he wanted trading away after only a handful of games.
The Bucs are looking like they won’t even get a chance to shop Jackson around in a trade. With his imminent departure, the Bucs would clear $10 million in cap space.
We all know what the three-time Pro Bowler is capable of and so do the Eagles. The thought of Jackson back in green is sure to have Eagles fans soaring with delight. With Carson Wentz coming off a back injury, Doug Peterson will look to surround him with weapons in an offence which has lacked a deep ball threat.
Out of the current wide receivers (Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Golden Tate, Jordan Matthews and Mike Wallace, who is on IR), Jeffrey is the only one guaranteed to return in 2019. Agholor is costing the Eagles in the region of $9 million plus they just exercised his 5th year option which solidifies his role within the organisation. So that just leaves Tate, in regards to money, who would fit better.
Jackson is due $10 million in 2019, this may mean a pay cut if he wishes to be reunited with the team that drafted him in 2008. Chip Kelly, who released Jackson, is no longer on the coaching staff so any hard feelings between the franchise and player are long gone.
Tate will be looking paid, likely in the region of $15 million, but who will pay him? I can’t see the Eagles forking out that kind of money especially given their cap space. One is 32 and the other 31 but you wouldn’t know that based on raw speed and ability to beat their man off the line and get downfield.
So, Golden Tate or DeSean Jackson, who would you rather have? Don’t overthink this and don’t let last season’s statistics from both players persuade you in making judgement.
For me, it has to be Jackson. His explosive plays, route running ability and ultimately his love for Philadelphia tick all the right boxes. Having an upgrade at QB will breathe fresh life into the 32 year old wideout.
Fitzpatrick knew how to find Jackson deep, so surely there’s no reason that Wentz can’t hit him for 6+ touchdowns in 2019. Everything is pointing to a reunion, over to you DeSean.
One last thing, retiring an Eagle would be the icing on the cake in what has been an illustrious career for the California kid.
