DeSean Jackson Opportunity Hard To Ignore
March 23rd, 2014
A healthy, young, explosive NFL superstar in his prime could be cut very soon — and his name isn’t Darrelle Revis.
Joe’s been following and studying the saga of Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Word out of the Philadelphia Inquirer this morning is practically a farewell to Jackson, who played his college ball for Bucs offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford.
Jackson’s getting the boot from Philly for one reason: money. The Eagles don’t want to pay him Vincent Jackson money $10.5 million this year, and Jackson, 27, won’t restructure. Last year, Jackson had his best season, 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.
Selected nine spots before the bad Dexter Jackson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft, Jackson is expected to be cut for the same reason nearly every other big-money veteran gets the axe: no other team wants to take on his salary, which they’d have to do if they traded for him. His contract also calls for $9.75 million plus incentives in 2015 and 2016.
So would the Bucs try and pounce on Jackson if he’s cut? That’s a hell of a question. Why would they not be at least interested?
Joe’s researched Jackson’s relationship with Tedford, and it seems like it was solid. In 2011, the two appeared together speaking to kids in a rough northern California neighborhood, and Tedford is known for his close relationship with “Cal” alumni. Joe was told at Super Bowl media day that “Teddy” keeps in touch regularly with Marshawn Lynch and dozens of others.
Jackson is known for being sour on “Cal” for rumors that emerged claiming he wasn’t a team player there, which possibly affected his draft stock. But then Eagles head coach Andy Reid told reporters he talked extensively with Tedford before the ’08 draft and Tedford gave him the straight talk on Jackson. Reid went on to say he believed Jackson would have been gone in the first round. So Joe assumes Jackson has no ill will toward Tedford specifically.
If Tedford is the offensive guru he’s propped up to be, then surely he can find a way to add a speedy beast like Jackson into the mix with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Speed like Jackson’s could make the entire offense more effective and dangerous. How the trio worked or didn’t worked could be fine tuned in 2015. Williams may have worn out his welcome by then anyway, and Vincent Jackson could be clearly on the backside of his career.
As for affording DeSean Jackson, the Bucs would have to make salary cap room, but not necessarily significant moves.
Joe’s not lobbying for this to happen, but it would be puzzling to see a new regime seeking a “up tempo” offense quickly dismiss the thought adding Jackson.
As for Jackson’s reputation, Star-Ledger Eagles beat writer Eliot Shorr-Parks doesn’t see why the Eagles are letting go and is wagging a finger at Chip Kelly.
Where are the off-field issues?
Since arriving in Philadelphia, Jackson has staged a brief holdout before the 2011 season and served a one-game suspension later that season. In the meantime, Jackson has been the most productive wideout on the team. He is active in the community, and it would be difficult to find a teammate who doesn’t respect Jackson — and even harder to find one who doesn’t want him on the team.
If there have been unrevealed instances when Jackson has hurt the team, the Eagles might be right to move him. It is difficult to imagine, after the season he had last year, that the issues surrounding Jackson are so bad that the team can’t function with him. It is also hard to believe that after dealing with Cooper last season, the franchise can’t handle whatever might be going on with a wideout who has been considerably more productive.
Joe doesn’t know whether the Bucs are the slightest bit interested. But before anyone dismisses Jackson as not being Lovie Smith material, keep in mind Lovie had no problem bringing wacky, troubled receiver Brandon Marshall to Chicago.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:10 am
I’d take him . Have Jackson and Jackson lol and draft another WR.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:11 am
I think Lovie could handle him after all he did also bring the world class mental midget Jay Cutler to Chicago. I am all for a Jackson / Tedford reunion. Jackson takes the top off the defense which opens everything up. My only concern is the cash it would take and the potential for Jackson to be the next Revis who gets paid yearly with the holdout cloud over the teams head each year.
it’s one thing to have speed but Jackson has proven himself. Not to mention has an occasional punt returner he puts fear in teams.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:12 am
The question is if Vjax fits our new offense. Can he keep up with the fast pace? I would not be surprised if Djax is signed and Vjax is released.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:19 am
@ Joe
The author from the Philadelphia news paper above seems to be on the outside. He has no idea of what truly went on in the locker room. Put it this way, we have a front office who contemplated/contemplating cutting Mike williams for partying etc. Can you imagine what it was like inside the philly locker room if they are willing to cut this guy after a career year in his prime? I disagree, it is more than just money and there has been smoke around this guy since he entered the league. Talent wise, he fits the bucs. Character wise and things like that, not so much. Lovie does not make this move.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:19 am
Money is the only problem here he would probably still look for around the same amount he was getting in Philly, but I could see lovie and licht giving him a fair contract he would accept, because lovie is good at convincing players to come aboard, but I’d recommend cutting konnen and maybe even zuttah to free up some space, so he could fit in the salary cap, plus if they move the kickoffs up to the 40 Barth could handle kickoffs at that point. I say it’s worth a shot, makes the qbs job easier when he has 3 big time receiving like that!
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:21 am
Vincent Jackson is not going anywhere… he is proven. good in the community. Vjax just needs a QB to throw to him.
I’d love to get desean jackson but without a qb to get him the ball it’s a waste. it’s takes the combination of qb / wr to put fear in teams and we do not have a qb that puts fear in even a high school defensive coordinators head.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:34 am
apparently you didn’t see any bear games last year when cutler was hurt!
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:35 am
I would put DJax at the X receiver for his straight up speed, keep Williams at the Z, and put VJax in the slot to take advantage of his size and his ability to operate in small spaces. He could be our hybrid receiver dominating the middle of the field.
I can dig that ….plus, what Joe is also banking on is that this would fill the void at WR before the draft, and could put us at a closer realm of possibility to draft a QB with our first pick. 🙂
I totally agree with this FA signing provided DJax agrees to a new restructured contract.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:37 am
i dont see him coming here honestly i rather wait for watkins at 7 then overpaying for desean jackson,
@glennon mob
that will be the dumbest move in the world to release vincent jackson just to pick up desean jackson after all who was the guy helping your guy glennon making incredible catches for so so passes. vincent jackson is way better than desean jackson so please dont make theories that make no sense whatsover thanks.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:38 am
mccown has his role stop gap / mentor.
please tell me you don’t honestly believe McCown puts fear in d coordinators.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:47 am
Vjax isn’t going anywhere……Sammay @ 7. The good thing about the Eagles cutting him is that we don’t have to give up a draft pick….only find the money….I say, lets cut Koenen…make a couple of other moves & sign him.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:47 am
Sammy @ 7….
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:48 am
They don’t have to be scared, but the tape doesn’t lie. McCown got it done last year. You can’t talk your way away from that reality.
Can he do it in a different town over a full season? Nobody knows. But there is certainly evidence to support he can most certainly deliver the ball to his playmakers and not the other teams DBs.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:54 am
Why is Koenen still on this roster? How can you let Revis walk and still have an overpaid, bad punter on the roster?
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:54 am
If we are going to spend the money, I would rather spend the money on Jared Allen and then draft a WR in the 1st round as opposed to the other way around.
March 23rd, 2014 at 11:55 am
sorry mort
im not willing to bank an entire season on a qb that has had 8 to 10 good games in the last 10 years. its a great signing for the bucs his role is valuable but he puts no fear in opposing teams
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:00 pm
The speed he would bring to Tampa would be awesome. Since Joey Galloway, we have not had that speed here in Tampa.
I say go for it, if we can swing it.
The question is, will he restructure or not ?
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Speed in Space Ha….We let Devin Hester, Sproles, Lance Moore, Sanders, McCluster, and now we are letting Djax get away.. Comedy
Djax or Lance would have been perfect slot wr for the offense. Ok the draft is loaded with wr but we have to develop them. Be nice to have a veteran.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:05 pm
Jeez how long have they been trying to restructure the dude’s contract? Free agency as been off and running and they are just now considering letting him go? Eh there could be 4 or 5 reasons why. Maybe it’s about money or maybe it’s not. Maybe he’s a malcontent, maybe not.
Maybe the Bucs can find room for him, I hope so of course. For some reason though I don’t see Licht as a splash signing type of GM. I think he shies away from big names. I think he thinks, they are waste of money. We’ll see.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:07 pm
What would be the point? McCown can’t throw deep anyways.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:10 pm
why spend 10 mil on a someone who is scared of tha middle, can’t contest jump balls and is primarily a deep threat. Better off in tha draft
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:11 pm
theodore
be careful facts don’t matter lol
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:13 pm
yes he can! did you watch any games last year? or any highlights?just asking?
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Joe you or your site Keep kicking me out dont make it so obvious.
????–Joe
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:20 pm
If we release Koenen and trade Williams for DJax this could work. They can use his speed the way Seahawks use Harvin. Seahawks only throw 25 times a game, that is what will be asked of Mac. We will just mix it up more and be more creative.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:29 pm
The only way I would do this (assuming they are even interested) is through a two-way trade. I would offer Mike Williams for Desean and a 4th round pick. Remember, nobody is going to trade straight up for Desean’s 10mil a year contract.
The Eagles have made their mind up. He’s leaving if they have to ultimately cut him. If they cut him, he would never come to the Bucs as a free agent. If this happens, the Eagles get cap space and perhaps nuisance relief but nothing else!
A trade with the Bucs, they get a proven big possession WR for a bargain and cap space! The Bucs get a true speed receiver that can stretch the field (Williams could not), a needed 4th round pick, and we both get some nuisance relief!
The Eagles get a bargain for2014 because Williams is only owed a 1.2mil salary, a 1mil roster bonus, and a 600k workout bonus (2.8mil cap hit). The Bucs have 9mil in cap space – take out 5mil for the draft and add back 2.8mil for Williams, they have 6.8mil to do the trade. Give DeSean 5.5mil in salary and spread the remaining 5mil over the remaining 4 years of the contract or 1.25mil in dead money. Remember the guarantees in DeSean’s contract have already been paid!
This deal can be done if they are interested. The parameters might be slightly different, but definitely doable!
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:29 pm
Put jackson number 2wr and williams in the slot.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Or trade williams
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:35 pm
He’s proven, he’s young but he’s expensive. If they cut him then let Tedford get in touch with him to see if he’s interested to get a lesser deal done. No to give up picks for him.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:37 pm
McCown put up over 1800 yards in five games, with 12 touchdowns to one interception. He can make all the throws and is an athlete and has plenty of NFL experience. Don’t tell me he will not scare other NFL defenses with his accuracy, which we have lacked for many years. Sign Desean Jackson and every NFL team is going to be fearful of our offense, and especially with an offensive genius like Tedford figuring out how to exploit their weaknesses. If Nix can’t play he can be cut and that is all we need for DeSean. He may even take a cut to play for Tedford and Lovie. Definitely pursue him. Watkins is from the same team that has been a jinx for the Bucs in the past anyway. Besides we need to take a QB with our first pick to learn from McCown just like Greenbay’s QB did watching from the bench.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:39 pm
I don’t think the Bucs can afford to have $27M tied up in WR’s. VJax or Williams would have to go.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:39 pm
macabee
I would hardly classify Williams as a nuisance. Over blown media reports while a player is on IR does not constitute a nuisance IMO. Williams plays hard. My personal opinion is that Lovie and Tedford can get Williams back on track.
Another opinion that I have is Williams had too much time on his hands while on IR and not being around the team full time was bad for him. I have always thought that the players on IR should be allowed to be more involved with team. I believe that structure and routine are key for some players including Williams. Williams will be fine and is a valuable team member.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Ok tmaxcon,
I won’t buy the reports on Williams. Let’s say he’s a good guy. He’s still a good guy that can’t get separation or stretch the field. My point is simple, If the Bucs want to go after this guy, it is doable, in fact not difficult at all!
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:50 pm
I find it funny how everyone is so sensitive over a few loud parties, WHO CARES? People are way overreacting about Williams.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:51 pm
macabee
i am not saying there is NOTHING to the reports all that I am saying is a good routine and structure will put him back on track. I never compared Williams and Jackson as players two totally different styles. Not every player on the team needs to be a perfect angel that model does not win championships. If a few loud parties and some damage to a rental property by the way which was paid in full constitues a bad person then I am closer to Charles Manson than an alter boy.
March 23rd, 2014 at 12:57 pm
owlykat – McCown put up 1543 yards in 5 starts with 11 TDs 1 int and a 66.59 completion percentage and went 3-2
Glennon in a string of five consecutive starts put up 1060 yards with 8 TDs 1 int. and a 66.18 completion percentage and went 3-2
Judging McCown and Glennon within a limited scope is dangerous. It makes a career backup like McCown and a 3rd round rookie Glennon appear to be something that they might not be.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:06 pm
tmaxcon,
I understand what you’re saying and I for the most part agree with you. While we may not think it’s a big deal, but some people do. I don’t know why Chip Kelly is so done with Desean or to my knowledge Williams has not been convicted of a crime.
I feel like Patrick, who cares? But If Chip Kelly and Lovie Smith care, then our opinions are of little value.
Someone has to explain what Lovie meant when he said “It simply won’t be tolerated”!
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:06 pm
LL has cap space!! Give them Koenen, Mwill and Skye Dawson for Djax!! Speed in space…
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:12 pm
macabee,
I think lovie was sending message not only to Williams with that statement but the entire team. Basically, i feel that williams fell off the bus and that was lovie’s way of saying get right or you will be gone.
i think one of the points on desean jackson that is not being addressed enough here is the fact he just signed that big deal and in January ask for it to be redone. I think the Eagles don’t want Jackson turning into a Revis demanding a new deal every year.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Way too expensive, IMO. We can find a similar type of player in the draft for probably 1/10th the cost. Sounds like a much better ‘value’ option to me.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Bring him in… Then bring back both Dexters and Freeman and we’re ready to make a Motown record!
for real, though… DeSean would make me feel much better about this offense.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:24 pm
I think the concern with Williams is more about priorities than actual character issues. We need people who have football as their absolute #1 priority and everything else squeezs in where it can. Partying hard/boozing/lack of adequate sleep during the season can definitely effect your ability to perform on gameday. Some of his blowouts were on Fridays before a game. I say man the f*ck up & save it for the offseason.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:25 pm
It would be a good idea to have a skill player from a past Tedford offense on the team. They could help other players with sets, spacing, terminology and reasoning. Cod speed along the learning curve, speed in space and he’s proven to be a great football player.
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Please no. Overrated junk
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:42 pm
If lovie and Jason could tame this kid I say he’ll yes, he returns punts aswell so it could benefit us in more then one way! it’s just his attitude I am concerned about. If he would take 8-8.9 million a year instead of the bogus money on his contract now it would be a great idea. She would immediately take over #1 which he should Vjax good but honestly not fast enough to be a #1 got caught from behind to many times. So move VJ to #2 and Williams has one year to prove himself in the slot! I’m not sold on Sammy Watkins.. I would rather have Evens honestly he played in a much tougher division then watkins
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:43 pm
He*
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:45 pm
It’s about time you wrote about this Joe. I would trade for Jackson in a second, he would make this team a playoff team! If you add Johnny Football, OMG!!!! Just take a moment and think about the offense we could have…..
March 23rd, 2014 at 1:47 pm
Pinch me….and then with Eric Ebron @ 7….off to the races with current NFL ping ball scoring….bias…from high above…message from owners/TV/Commish….let’em score
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:02 pm
Trade williams for jackson straight up restructure contract 8million a year
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:04 pm
nate…he won’t restructure.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:11 pm
I would go for letting VJackson go and taking DJackson. The present Jackson is overpaid and over rated, Swap them out, the Bucs would be better.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:17 pm
Yuck!
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:23 pm
Guy’s never been happy. Diva.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Can we all please stop acting like character issues are anything we should be worried about as fans. If he gets arrested then it’s an issue. Otherwise, all that matters is play on the field. Who cares if he’s a pain in the locker room, if that’s even an accurate report. I’ve got a guy that sits next to me that is nearly intolerable but he’s good at what he does so I act like a professional and make it work. I’m not sure why people act like these players shouldn’t be treated like human beings that are expected to behave like professionals.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Make it happen…win now
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:42 pm
trade williams for jackson I agree, it wont be that much of hit to take on Djax contract maybe 2-3 mill difference and we have the money.. than draft WATKINS or Evans WR .. that gives us three solid WR and eventual replacement for vjax in a few years..
VJAX produces slow or not he produces!!
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Sounds like Mevis. No thanks. I’d take Sammy or Mike Evans over that prima donna.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:52 pm
@Patrick in VA – with that logic Talib would still be a Buc.
March 23rd, 2014 at 2:59 pm
Carolina will be competition with improved offense and the Bucs will be superbowl contenders the next 3 years. Trade vincent jackson for a 2nd or 3rd this year or next , keep mike williams, sign Deshawn jackson, trade back in this draft and get another 3rd round pick and more if possible. No tight end this year, draft mike evans 1st, pass rusher from stanford 2nd, cornerback in the 3rd or 2nd if we get another 2nd (the 6ft 3in guy). Tackle or guard next, wr, tackle or guard. pick up linebacker in the undradted class and bring all to training camp. Learning process and development for defense and offense this season. 5 win or better season trade Glennon draft QB and go Defense strong that draft. Trade for net year draft picks when possible. Wild card or divisional winner in 2015, NO window is closed/ATL is also done/Carolina will
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Draft 3rd (Draft Stock increasing/We don’t have a 4th) : WR/ST Josh Huff-Oregon
(Watch for the Punt block & Kick off Return)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgl2wk1kxX8
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:12 pm
Can’t you Just Hear Big Gene Scream – JOSSSHHH HUFFFFF!! -JOSSSSH HUFFFF!! lol
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:18 pm
Patrick in VA is obviously an idiot. That is all.
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:18 pm
I’m for signing Djax cutting Vajx adn drafting Mike Evans
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Trade Vincent Jackson for DeSean Jackson? Really?
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:25 pm
Cut Vincent Jackson?
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:37 pm
Get up on’em-Play Press Man Coverage (Take away that 5-8 yard cushion) And he becomes pedestrian Smh,…Nah, we can draft a player in the later rounds with the same attributes.
March 23rd, 2014 at 3:40 pm
Should the Cowboys play Zone or Man vs DeSean Jackson?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz6cJElZkLg
March 23rd, 2014 at 4:18 pm
LUVMYBUCS,
Before you make your mind up about a 3rd round WR. Heard this guy might be on the Bucs radar. Your review and opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnlKFbW7fZw
March 23rd, 2014 at 4:36 pm
@walkdaplank – talib had legal issues from his gun troubles in Texas as well as his assault case with the cabbie. That should be considered because that’s something the league could suspend him for and that affects the team. Jackson might be hard to work with but he’s no talib.
March 23rd, 2014 at 4:40 pm
let’s see how long it takes for Mr. Talib to get suspended in a Legal Weed State…
March 23rd, 2014 at 4:42 pm
@buc the haters – it’s refreshing to have someone on here that throws out insults at people because they have opinions different than their own. That’s what we’ve been lacking here.
If you’re not comfortable with people thinking differently than you you’d be better served to stay out of the comments section.
March 23rd, 2014 at 5:26 pm
I’ve watched too much of DJax living outside of Philly. He’s a punk and I would hate to have him on the Bucs.
March 23rd, 2014 at 5:48 pm
@ Patrick in VA
No offense, but your attitude towards tolerating cancerous people in the work place is idiotic. Most employers recognize it and look for the first reason they can to rid themselves of that type of person, hence, DeSean Jackson on the trade block.
March 23rd, 2014 at 5:55 pm
do we have enough cap room now that we got rid of zuttah
March 23rd, 2014 at 6:31 pm
@Macabee
REPOST:
LUVMYBUCS Says:
( January 8th, 2014 at 8:42 pm )
With Mike Will & VJAX (Hope to see him more in the slot this year) on the outside.
Some solid (Fast) later round prospects
• Paul Richardson
• Josh Huff
• Robert Herron
• L’Damian Washington
Good Prospects no doubt. But If I had to choose between the (4). WR Josh Huff hands down is the better prospect. If you’ve watched any of the West Coast Offensive Guru’ over the past few years.
Outside of Tedford/Chris Ault/Chip Kelly
(West Coast Innovative offensive minds)
• Noel Mazzone
• Chris Petersen
• Mark Helfrich (Wanted him to be our QB coach-A few years back)
• Steve Sarkisian
• Mike Leach
You sell a lot of bubble screens, tunnel screens and come back routes. And you’ll notice they’ll run, the hurry up offensive from the Pistol Formation. Josh Huff being so versatile, and athletically gifted; IMO- he would be in ideal prospect for this mesh of schemes.
March 23rd, 2014 at 6:33 pm
You”ll see/You sell
March 23rd, 2014 at 6:49 pm
The last (2) Hybrid Offenses that took the NFL by storm
The Spread Option (Chip Kelly)
The Pistol Offense (Chris Ault)
Jeff Tedford’s offense is a hybrid scheme-The madd genius has jacked bits and pieces from a lot of successful offenses.
March 23rd, 2014 at 7:01 pm
@gotbbucs – perhaps when you’re working menial jobs where the only requirement is that you have a warm body to do the work but when you’re dealing with jobs that need to be done by highly skilled people you have to be willing to take on their quirks and eccentricities. So, go ahead and keep those high character standards when you’re putting together your staff at McDonalds
March 24th, 2014 at 8:28 am
Really getting old reading all this crap about a franchise QB in this draft ,there is no one going to play at a franchise saving level from among this years crop! Wait until next year.