Report: Eagles trade for DeSean Jackson (and sign him to an extension)

The Philadelphia Eagles are trading for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver DeSean Jackson, according to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has details on the compensation:

EAGLES RECEIVE — DeSean Jackson, Buccaneers seventh-round pick in 2020

BUCCANEERS RECEIVE — Eagles sixth-round pick in 2019

Wow. It’s really happening!

ESPN was first to report Jackson had interest in returning to the team that originally selected him the second-round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Mortensen doubled down on that report by saying Jackson and the Eagles were “destined for each other again, barring the unforeseen.” And now we have the report that it’s actually happened.

It was thought that the Buccaneers would end up having to cut Jackson but the Eagles wanted him enough to give up some minor compensation. By trading for Jackson, the Eagles inherit his $10 million salary for 2019 but Rapoport reports the Eagles will likely be signing Jackson to a multi-year extension. UPDATE: Tim McManus and Adam Schefter have details on Jackson’s new deal.

Jackson fills a huge need for the Eagles; Philadelphia badly needed a deep threat to help stretch the field. Jackson turned 32 in December but he’s still quite capable of beating defenses deep considering he averaged a league-leading 18.9 yards per reception in 2018.

Jackson played for the Eagles for six seasons before the Eagles unceremoniously released him back in 2014. Chip Kelly rightfully gets blame for that decision but Howie Roseman was still the team’s general manager back then. After getting cut by Philly, Jackson joined the Redskins and remained with Washington for three seasons. Jackson then signed another free agent contract with the Buccaneers, where he only lasted for two seasons.

It’ll be really interesting to see how Jackson’s second stint with Philly goes. There were some off-field concerns the first time around. From on-field perspective, though, there’s no question he makes the Eagles’ offense more dangerous.

It’s very exciting to see think about Carson Wentz launching deep shots to DJacc in 2019.

Source: https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2019/3/11/18260693/desean-jackson-trade-eagles-wide-receiver-nfl-news-buccaneers-philadelphia-contract-draft-picks-wr