The prevailing narrative out of Philadelphia was not news of Jimmy Rollins bad attitude nor the 76ers quest for futility. The Eagles’ number one receiver for the past six seasons has had his future with the team in question by fans and media alike, yet there has been little to no word from the front office on the future of its disgruntled star. DeSean Jackson has captivated a city with his on-field play from the miracle at the new-Meadowlands to the most productive season of his career thus far, yet cannot seem to stay out of the headlines and tabloids.
Portraying diva wide-receivers has been a part of the national media’s NFL narrative for decades. Terrelle Owens, Randy Moss, Joe Horn, Chad Ochocinco, Baltimore’s Steve Smith the list goes on and on of players whose brash and or flashy actions have cause a media uproar. Yet Jackson has declined to speak on the subject, instead using Instagram and his personal assistant to handle all inquiries on the matter. While pool hopping and jumping off the second story of buildings is not in the persona of a leader at the NFL level, Jackson’s productivity on the field cannot be ignored; especially after a stellar 2013 campaign where the receiver logged 82 receptions for 1332 yards and found the endzone nine times.
After nearly three weeks of Belichick-style response from the Eagles organization including General Manager Howie Roseman, Chip Kelly finally cleared the air surrounding Jackson’s future, at least for the moment. According to Les Bowen Kelly reportedly told the receiver “don’t worry about anything and get ready for camp” which could certainly quell doubt in the wideout’s mind, but what of the fan base? And more importantly, do the Eagles actually need Jackson?
One of the most prolific offenses in the league a season ago, Philadelphia added Darren Sproles and will see a healthy Jeremy Maclin back in Eagle green in the upcoming season. With a plethora of targets for Napolean Dynamite I mean Nick Foles to throw to, Kelly’s spread it around style of attack may not rely heavily on a true number one receiver. So if the Eagles truly do not require Jackson’s services or more importantly his reportedly selfish demeanor, what value would the star return in the form of a trade?
Compare the situation at hand to those of two other receivers, Percy Harvin and Brandon Marshall both of whom were dealt in the past few seasons. Through five years in the NFL, Harvin has played in 55 games recording 281 receptions for 3319 yards and 20 scores. Traded from Minnesota to the Seattle Seahawks prior to the 2013 season, Harvin drew first and seventh round selections from Seattle in 2013 in addition to a fourth round selection in the 2014 draft. To cap it all off, Harvin signred a six-year deal worth $67 million with the Seahawks.
Through six seasons, Jackson has played 87 games for the Eagles in which he caught 356 passes for 6117 yards and 32 touchdowns. In Marshall’s first six seasons with Denver and Miami, the current Chicago Bear played 91 games and caught 492 balls for 6247 yards and 23 touchdowns. When Marshall was dealt to Chicago from Miami after the 2011 season, he garnered two third round selections in 2012 and 2013. Now entering the final year of his five-year $44 million-plus contract Marshall has more than earned his money and was a great value for both teams after the trade.
In 2012 Jackson signed a five year $48.5 million contract with Philadelphia that will earn him $10.5 million in 2014, $9.75 million in 2015, and $8.35 million in the final year of his deal. Is Jackosn’s contract the reason for the supposed lack of interest around the league? Marshall’s deal will earn him just over $9million in 2014 and he is a much more established number one option in the passing game than Jackson.
Harvin’s health risks make the Eagles’ receiver a much more viable option for teams, but the rumors of his personality issues have turned off both the 49ers and the aforementioned Seahawks who were reported to have interest in Jackson at one point in time. Regardless, the Eagles are in no hurry to move the receiver as the NFL draft is rapidly approaching.
Reportedly the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets are interested in the current-Eagle, but would be unwilling to post more than a fourth round selection for the oft-disgruntled receiver. The Patriots may be in play too, but giving up valuable draft picks for high-dollar free agents is not in their profile. While Jackson is not on par with the 218 receptions 2803 yards and 23 touchdowns Marshall has delivered for the Bears, certainly he would be worth close to what the Vikings got out of Seattle for Harvin. The question is, will the Eagles be willing to settle for less than Jackson' value to not risk the $6 million in dead money the team would eat if they cut him?
The bottom line for Philadelphia remains constant regardless of fan and media opinion on the matter, if the Eagles cannot get adequate value for the wideout he must remain a member of the organization, and a heavily contributing one at that.