Redskins can’t ignore DeSean Jackson’s value for long
By Donny Starr
Washington Redskins Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson has other teams that would love his services. He should stay with the Redskins if he wants to remain a preferred target.
Last season DeSean Jackson was targeted 100 times (47 at home, 53 when away), catching 56 for 1,005 yards. He’s a preferred target in away games (56), and averaged 75 yards a game. He also averaged 20 yards per catch in away games. Let’s look closer: Against NFC teams he was targeted 75 times. In wins and losses he breaks even, targeted 50 times last season. Jackson was the primary target in four of the Redskins’ away games they won (vs NYG, PHI, CHI, and DAL). Jackson gets the work, and has a role he can play if he wants it.
So what about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Is that really an option? Wide receiver Mike Evans rules the air, targeted 175 times last season. Jackson’s stats match, if not surpass their top-tier receivers next in line. The X-factor in this conversation is his relationship with Bucs QB Jameis Winston. ESPN’s Josina Anderson thinks it could tip the scale on deciding where to go next if the Redskins can’t keep him. He said via Twitter the following:
I’m told #Bucs could be a posb destination for impending FA WR Desean Jackson. Understanding is Jameis Winston has an existing rapport w/ DJ
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 21, 2017
And the idea he could go to the Rams? I doubt very seriously he’ll fall back under an old Redskins regime without Cousins. In addition, He’ll probably take his chances working with Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz if given the chance. Going by his recent comments about the quarterback you would think Philadelphia was an option. It is. Everyone knows why he left: Chip Kelly. Let’s be real. There wasn’t a shot a Jackson until Kelly arrived. Add the timing of a once explosive Robert Griffin III and necessity spawned inspiration.
There’s a lot of speculation out there, but I stand by my previous comments: Family will be the deciding factor. DeSean Jackson has mentioned several times he has “everything here” and would hate to move. In an interview with Redskins.com’s Stephen Czarda, he said, “…My family and my house, I have everything here and I don’t want to be in a transaction and move. First things first, I do want to be here and hopefully we can make it work. But once again this is a business so things happen.” That drive to remain stable may be what makes a deal happen.
Must Read: 2017 NFL Combine: 3 Quarterbacks For The Washington Redskins To Watch