Rumors: Two Mystery teams in negotiations for WR DeSean Jackson
By Paul Noel
Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, two mystery teams that have not been identified publicly as having interest in former Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson are in ‘deep negotiations’ to sign him. The Eagles on Friday (March 28th) released Jackson, a move that comes just two years after Jackson had signed a five-year contract extension worth $48.5 million. The contract contained $29.25 million in cash remaining, and cap figures of $12.75M (2014), $12M (2015) and $10.5M (2016). Since the announcement of Jackson’s release their have been several suitors link to him to include the Washington Redskins, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers. The Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers are the only two other teams that have made it known publicly that they have no intention of signing the free agent receiver. Is it possible that the Cleveland Browns could be in the mix for Jackson? Florio makes mention of the Browns’ in his article saying “Let’s just toss the Browns’ in there, they’re always good for a splash”.
As a fan I both love and loathe the idea of adding Jackson to the Browns’ offense as a free agent signing. I can only imagine how nice it would look to add Jackson to a crop of offensive talent that already includes Pro-Bowlers Josh Gordon, Jordan Cameron, and Alex Mack (Transition Tag), and the free agent additions of running back Ben Tate and WR Andrew Hawkins. I am however very hesitant to buy into the idea of the Browns’ spending the kind of money that it would take to bring Jackson to Cleveland. The Browns’ would be foolish to spend the projected $9-12 million to acquire Jackson, especially with the NFL Draft only 37-days away. This years draft is stacked with young talent at the Wide Receiver position, and a solid #2 receiver could be found here to play opposite Gordon. The last thing that comes to mind with Jackson is his on and off the field issues, do the Browns’ really want to risk infecting the locker room with a player that has the same appeal of the Browns’ 95′ free agent WR Andre Rison. If your unfamiliar with how that worked out for the Browns’ please educate yourself with Rison’s Wikipedia page. The Browns’ must explore every option to improve this team for the long-term, but if the Browns’ are one of the mysterious two negotiating for Jackson they should immediately cease and desist.