Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin got new deals, and with them put the Philadelphia Eagles in a cap conundrum. Could they be ready to trade DeSean Jackson? If so, where?
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s not a real big shocker that the Kansas City Chiefs would be interested. Andy Reid drafted DeSean Jackson when he was the head coach in Philadelphia. He knows exactly what the speedy receiver can do and learned some key lessons in how to handle his eccentric personality. Beyond that though is the practical reasoning. Kansas City has some solid possession receivers but lacks that consistent big play threat who can stretch defenses. Having Jackson would force defenses to play softer coverage, opening up lanes for Jamaal Charles on the ground and other receivers across the middle.
New England Patriots
Nobody will ever say Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are afraid to tweak their roster and be aggressive. With the Super Bowl window closing they have to arm Tom Brady as best as they possibly can. Danny Amendola seems like he’s on the way out, leaving the team with some work to do at wide receiver. Jackson is a personality similar to Randy Moss, somebody who thrived under Belichick seven years ago. Brady would love having the deep threat available and also could take full advantage of the attention it would draw away from Rob Gronkowski.
New York Jets
It’s all about adding weapons for the New York Jets in 2014. Geno Smith was all over the place last season and it’s hoped that providing him with a better arsenal might bring out more consistency. The Jets have a good selection of draft picks at their disposal including multiple third rounders. If Rex Ryan feels he can handle Jackson’s issues, then it’s hard not to see New York taking advantage of this situation. They could easily add Jackson and then pursue a nice big target in the first round of the draft such as Mike Evans or Eric Ebron. Either way the offense gets a significant upgrade.
Indianapolis Colts
Having already sent their first rounder to Cleveland for Trent Richardson, why should the Indianapolis Colts get cold feet now? They are in that winning-now mode. Getting another wide receiver for Andrew Luck is among their priorities. Adding DeSean Jackson along with T.Y. Hilton and Reggie Wayne could end up giving them the most explosive passing attack in the league. Sacrificing a second or third round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles sounds high, but the Colts can merely start fresh again in 2015, so if they feel a Super Bowl is close and Jackson can help, why not?