DeSean Jackson could be Cleveland Browns deep threat answer

The Cleveland Browns offense had one major issue in the playoffs, getting deep against man coverage. Could DeSean Jackson fix this issue for them?

After 11 wins in 2020, the Cleveland Browns found themselves within striking distance of the AFC Championship Game. They were down multiple scores against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the reigning NFL Champions lost Patrick Mahomes to a concussion in the second half.

With the former NFL MVP sidelined, the Browns pulled within five but had a major problem — and it wasn’t their defense. While it’s true the Chiefs offense could move the ball against Cleveland, the real issue came down to their offense not having the ability to strike quickly.

Their final drive took over 11 minutes and 18-plays and even their prior scoring drive ate up 9:29. Drives such as those are phenomenal when milking a lead but Cleveland was hurt by their inability to score quickly. Knowing they need to improve in this area, they could look to free agency and if they did, someone such as DeSean Jackson could make a lot of sense.

Jackson, who was most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles, is set for free agency and won’t be brought back to the City of Brotherly Love. Instead, the 34-year-old will again test the open market and despite his age, he can still be a weapon for a team such as the Browns.

For his career, Jackson has averaged over 17-yards per reception and while he’s struggled with health as of late, he’s still proven to be explosive when on the field.

Jackson, who was with Tampa Bay from 2017 through 2018, returned to the Eagles for his second stint with the team in 2019. He has played in just eight games since then but has 23 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. That’s an average of 17.2 yards per catch and a touchdown on every 7.6 catches. He even ripped off an 81-yard score in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys before being inexplicably put on the bench for the remainder of the game.

Of course, with there being a risk of injury, the Browns would have to be concerned with Jackson’s price tag. They can’t break the bank for his services but if they were able to land him on a modest one-year deal, he could be the exact type of player who can stretch the defense while providing the occasional huge play. And since there are other talented wideouts in Cleveland, Jackson could be used in spurts to keep him fresh and help avoid injury.

His ability to get deep will also take some of the pressure off Odell Beckham, Jr. as he rehabs from his torn ACL. Beckham has been the deep threat for the Browns and should be again, but having another experienced speedster will only make his transition back to the field easier.