This month in Philadelphia Eagles history: 5 Birds who got tagged

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs in the game winning touchdown on a punt return against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

DeSean Jackson, WR

The last time the Eagles used the franchise tag was on DeSean Jackson back in 2012. Jackson was coming off a stellar season as the Eagles leading receiver with 58 receptions for 961 yards and four touchdownsover the course of 15 games.

After posting astronomical numbers during his first four seasons in the NFL, Jackson wanted to be paid like a top-five wide receiver.

Before Jackson was given the opportunity to hit the free agent market, the Eagles slapped “D-Jax” with the franchise tag which meant they’d pay him $9.4 million for the 2012 campaign.

At the time, the $9.4 million franchise tag assured Jackson would be paid like a top-five receiver. It would only be two weeks later that the Eagles and D-Jax would agree to terms on a five-year deal worth $51 million.

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Jackson would only play two seasons under that contract thanks to his release by Chip Kelly prior to the 2014 campaign. Jackson caught 127 passes for 2,032 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final two seasons wearing the midnight green.

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