It was reported by FFToolbox (@fftoolbox) early this morning that Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson’s days in Philadelphia are numbered. The 27-year-old wide receiver out of California was coming off a career season where he posted 82 receptions, 1,332 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
While Jackson has shown plenty of ability, he is due nearly $10 million this season and certainly can rub coaches and teammates the wrong way with his selfish attitude. The Eagles already brought back Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper to solidify their wide receiving corps. Meanwhile the 2014 NFL Draft class is flooded with great talent, many more than capable of being starting wide receivers that can be had even after the third round.
With Jackson potentially on the way out, there will be teams running to the phone to get in contact with the Eagles’ front office to find out just what Jackson will cost them in a trade and trying to hammer out a deal. But while plenty of teams will show interest, there are a few teams that stand out as great fits for Jackson.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers made sure to bring back Anquan Boldin this season and Michael Crabtree is now healthy, but the 49ers’ still lack a true downfield threat who can help unleash Colin Kaepernick’s ridiculous arm strength. The 49ers already have an elite defense and strong offense, adding Jackson would make them Super Bowl favorites for the near future.
It would also be a perfect situation for both teams to get on the phone and hammer out a deal. San Francisco is loaded with draft picks, including two second rounders and two third round picks. The 49ers’ have the depth in picks to package one of their second round picks and some later selections to acquire Jackson and still have plenty of picks to move around in the draft.
While there may be some concerns about Jackson’s attitude, San Francisco would also be an excellent landing spot for him. With veterans like Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Frank Gore, there would be plenty of leadership to help guide Jackson and set him straight.
Kansas City Chiefs
Andy Reid could get up and sing “Reunited and it feels so good”, bringing in a player who he is very familiar with from his days in Philly and filling a big need on offense. Kansas City is another ideal landing spot for Jackson.
While Kansas City may not have the depth in draft picks that San Francisco offers, they offer familiarity already with the Philadelphia roots. Kansas City has depth on defense to offer in return along with their third-round pick and future picks to go along with it. But if Kansas City wants Jackson they will do what it takes to make sure they can acquire him, and give Reid the weapon he desperately wants.
Jackson would fit in perfectly to the Chiefs’ offense, a team that is looking for that speedy wide receiver who can stretch the field and kill teams on screens and short passes. While Alex Smith may not be an elite-quarterback, he knows how to put the ball in playmaker’s hands. You put Jackson and Jamaal Charles together and you have the makings of a much improved offense.
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick has never seemed to have much luck drafting wide receivers, but he has done a great job bringing in some wide receivers via trades. With Tom Brady approaching the final years of his career, New England is seeking some new weapons for their Hall of Fame quarterback.
New England is a similar situation to that of the Chiefs in that they don’t have a lot of extra draft picks to move around and make deals. But Belichick is well known for moving down the draft boards. The Patriots could negotiate a deal with the Eagles where they move down from their first-round selection in order to get Jackson. Eagles would obviously have to send some picks back, but acquiring another first-round pick would be an outstanding return.
The Patriots’ flat out need another wide receiver and Jackson would provide exactly that for them. Belichick knows how to get the most out of his players and has done a good job quieting any attitudes as well. Jackson would give the Patriots’ offense the piece they needed to be Super Bowl contenders again.
Oakland Raiders
While the Raiders may not be the type of playoff team you expect to see on this list, there are a lot of reasons why Jackson returning to the bay area makes sense. With their cap space, need for talent and a chance for Jackson to stay close to home, it makes a lot of sense.
Oakland has shown a willingness to part with future selections in order to fill needs. While the Raiders are rebuilding their offense, Jackson would provide the top weapon the team has been lacking for some time now. If the Raiders draft a quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater or Blake Bortles with the fifth overall pick, Jackson would provide a great weapon to help welcome the new rookie.
Jackson’s salary should be no concern for a team with $60 million in cap space and a big need at wide receiver. Jackson would also give the fans some excitement, an electrifying player who fans will be more than happy to buy jerseys and pay tickets for. Jackson’s roots to California would also make him a familiar name and as the star attraction on the team, Jackson could feel right at home and be comfortable. It would be a win-win for both Jackson and the Raiders, and give them a ncie piece to build their offense.