DeSean Jackson deserves his payday

Despite the urges of former Eagles receiver Terrell Owens to “hold out” DeSean Jackson took the field last Sunday for the Philadelphia Eagles to the tune of six receptions for 102 yards and a score. It seems as if the on-going, off-going contract negotiations between Jackson and the Eagles didn’t bother the young wide receiver one iota. Thankfully for him and the Eagles offense Jackson didn’t listen to the advice of the drama queen extraordinaire.

---

Sounding off on Philly’s own The Fanatic 97.5 last week Owens gave his two cents about DeSean and his contract.

"Absolutely not,” Owens said referring to whether or not he thought Jackson should play in week one despite no new contract. “I would have to better myself and my family and my situation. That's ridiculous."

If anything Owens is all too familiar with hold outs and the city of Philadelphia. Quite frankly a memory that is still too salty to the wound. Even putting the words T.O. and Philadelphia together just seem to stir up anger and resentment from any diehard Birds phan. Disgruntled receiver is an all too familiar scene in the National Football League and the kind of thing the Eagles should know to avoid.

For a young star, who has been nothing short of spectacular since the Eagles drafted him in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft, the ceiling is very, very high. There is no doubting his unique combination of speed, skill, and an aggressive, never quit competitive nature. He is one of the most dangerous weapons in the entire league (just ask Tom Coughlin and Matt Dodge). 

With Michael Vick now locked up in Philadelphia through 2016 it is only right to lock up his most dangerous weapon in #10. Michael Vick’s QB rating while throwing to DeSean in 2010 was 105.0. 42 for 82 for 985 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Since joining the league in 2008 Jackson leads the NFL in touchdowns of 50+ yards with 14. There is no denying his big play ability, right Tom?! In his rookie season he caught 62 passes for 912 yards with 2 touchdowns. In 2009 and 2010 he became the first Eagles receiver with back to back 1,000 yard seasons since Irvin Fryar did it in 1996. When composing our top 20 Best Athletes in Philly rankings there was no doubt that Mr. Jackson deserved to be in the top 10. (Click here to see why DJack is so darn good)!

Jackson and agent Drew Rosenhaus (sound familiar?) are apparently seeking a 5-year deal between that of Santonio Holmes 5-years, 50 million and Larry Fitzgerald 8-years, 120 million. DeSean Jackson is set to make a whopping $555,000 this season, chump change for an All-Pro receiver and is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent next season. The Eagles hold a strong hand with the option of the franchise tag available and don’t seem to be in a hurry to get a deal done. Playing that card could result in an angered receiver and a drastically longer hold out than that of what we saw during training camp this summer. We all know how that franchise tag story plays out.  

Breaking down the Eagles per year salaries for the 2011 season DeSean Jackson ranks 27th on the highest paid Eagles list for the year. 27th! For arguably the best WR on the team it seems a bit ridiculous. It is quite clear that Jackson has outplayed and outperformed his rookie contract of 4-years, $3, 058,000.

Just to put it into perspective here are a few Eagles making more money than DeSean Jackson this season: Evan Mathis, Akeem Jordan, Jason Avant, Jamaal Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Jarrad Page, Winston Justice, Steve Smith. Oh yeah, and Jon Dorenbos. That’s right, Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos is making $800,000 for the 2011 season.

Hopefully for the sake of the team this contract situation gets resolved quickly. Going to war against Drew Rosenhaus and a wide receiver are just not my cup of tea. Jackson’s worth to the team is measurably more than $555,000. In championship hopes of making this Dream Team the real deal DeSean Jackson needs to be a part of that reality.  



Steve Glick
BrotherlyLoveNation.com

---