Losing DeSean Jackson Isn’t The End Of The World, If The Eagles Take The Right Next Steps

Sep 9, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Lately some of the biggest news in the NFL has been the impending departure of Eagles pro bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson has been a great player, and threat for the Philadelphia Eagles for a number of years now. However, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman seemed to believe it is time for him to pack his bags, leave the city of brotherly love, and try not to let the door hit him on the way out. All of a sudden recent news suggests otherwise, but the lack of an official statement from the Eagles organization suggests that despite what DeSean Jackson believes, he is not safe in Philadelphia.

I personally am not the biggest fan of DeSean Jackson, I love him, but I have thought that the Eagles have needed someone else for a while now. This is mainly because of what happened in the Eagles playoff game against the New Orleans Saints this past year. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles repeatedly tried to get the ball to Desean Jackson, but he was completely shut down by Saints’ cornerback Keenan Lewis. This makes me believe that he is not the elite receiver that the Eagles need.

Now, my problem with getting rid of DeSean Jackson, is that the Eagles may not get a viable replacement for him. If they trade Jackson, or even cut him, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin becomes their number one receiver, and Arrelious Benn, or Damaris Johnson has to step up and take the number three spot. This makes a top three offense in football much weaker.

With most of the top receiver free agents gone, the Eagles could look to add a receiver along the lines of Tennesse Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice, or New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem, to be their number three receiver. The far more likely outcome is that the Eagles draft a receiver. Chip Kelly has expressed interest in Oregon State Brandin Cooks, and USC receiver Marqise Lee could be good fit, another possible fit is LSU receiver Odell Beckham Jr., however none of these receivers have the ceiling of talent to be the Eagles’ number one receiver. This means that the only logical reason for getting rid of Desean Jackson is if the Eagles are planning on drafting Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins or Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans. Evans is reportedly visiting with the Eagles which shows they are considering drafting him. To draft either of these men, especially Watkins, the Eagles would need to trade up to a top ten or top fifteen pick.

The most logical trade to me would be trading with the Oakland Raiders. This is because they need quantity along with quality. The Oakland Raiders have expressed interest in DeSean Jackson, so if the Eagles are willing to hold off on trading him, perhaps Jackson plus the Eagles first, or second round pick could get the Eagles the Raiders pick and Sammy Watkins. The Raiders have the most money in cap space and would love a talented, established receiver for newly acquired quarterback Matt Schaub who is used to throwing to star Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. The Raiders have also expressed interest in Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr and could get him with the Eagles 22nd overall pick. Another possible trading partner could be the Rams who may have interest in Jackson, or the Bills who could take the Eagles first and third round pick since they need quantity along with the Raiders, and may not see what they are looking for at their pick.

The point is, DeSean Jackson is very talented and very useful for this offense, but he is also expendable. The Eagles could easily get rid of him, but it would not be the smartest decision if they are not prepared with a viable replacement.