DeSean Jackson Signs 5-Year Contract

Added on Mar 15, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

The marriage between the Philadelphia Eagles and wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been on the rocks for months, but it’s nothing a brand new 5-year, $51 million contract can’t solve. Rather than drag out the soap opera for another season of Jackson playing on a one-year deal, the Birds brain trust elected to reward their petulant playmaker in hopes that he’ll be on his best behavior with a fatter bank account.

There’s no doubting Jackson’s talent. He’s one of the game’s most dynamic threats capable of scoring every time he touches the ball, accounting for 28 touchdowns as a receiver, runner and punt returner in four seasons. Head coach Andy Reid expressed a strong desire to keep Jackson in midnight green.

“Signing our own players was a big priority for us this offseason,” Reid said. “And DeSean was certainly high on our list. We are very excited about his future as an Eagle.”

Extending Jackson long-term isn’t without risk. He whined about not being appreciated for much of 2011 and let his frustrations affect his play on the field. Dropped passes, sloppy route running and a visible lack of effort plagued him the entire year.

He was deactivated Week 10 after skipping a special teams meeting, was benched late in one game and recorded only two 100-yard outings. In addition, his punt return numbers dipped so low that he was eventually removed from the first-team unit, due in part to a critical fumble versus the Bears that led to a go-ahead touchdown.

On the plus side, he’s only 25 years old. Few, if any, receivers possess his vertical speed. It’s a big if, but if he grows up and works hard to improve his weaknesses, he could develop into the true number one passing option in the Eagles dangerous attack. However, the presence of Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek and LeSean McCoy will make that difficult.

Truthfully, the Birds don’t need Jackson to be a 90-catch player. They just need him to do his job and stay out of trouble. Easier said than done.

Source: ESPN.com