Do Not Trade DeSean Jackson

 We all have a love-hate relationship with DeSean Jackson. On the field the dude is a stud. He leaves DB's in his dust, eating turf, as he effortlessly blows past them. Strutting across the goal line with a mocking stare at the defense. LaRon Landry still has nightmares about that Monday Night game where he opened his big mouth and ate every word. He's the kind of player that you LOVE to have on your team but would HATE on any other team. On the field there is no denying the talent. His antics off the field leave the Eagles shopping the Pro Bowl wide receiver to any and all takers. With all that being said DO NOT TRADE DESEAN JACKSON!

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In 2013 the revamped Eagles offense was a multifaceted, fast, entertaining machine. Finishing second in the NFL in yards per game behind only the Denver Broncos. They stretched the field, they never huddled, they used play cards with Rocky and cheesesteaks, they made opposing defensive coordinators scratch their heads. And it worked, well. DeSean Jackson, under Chip Kelly, benefited tremendously. D-Jack had a career season with 82 receptions, 1,332 yards, and nine touchdowns. Earning his third trip to the Pro Bowl in the process. 

We know all too well what kind of headaches unhappy wide receivers can cause. The decision simply comes down to is the production on the field worth the headaches off the field. Will D-Jack's "demand" for a new contract hurt his production on the field and ultimately hurt the culture that Chip Kelly is working hard to integrate. His sideline argument with WR coach Bob Bicknell, last season vs the Vikings, left a bad taste in Kelly's mouth. 

Jackson, just two years ago, signed a 5-year $47 million contract. D-Jack is set to make $9.7 million in 2014, none of it guaranteed. Putting him at 7th among NFL WR's for 2014, behind the likes of Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. There is no doubt that Jackson wants to be in the 16-20 million a year category like that of Megatron. He wasted no time in voicing his opinion after the Eagles were ousted by the Saints in the playoffs. 

It didn't sit well with Kelly, Howie Roseman and even the Eagles locker room. Eagles beat writer Jeff McLane cited a source close to D-Jack saying "He's as good as gone."

The Birds are on the books for D-Jack for the next 3 seasons. The trouble with trading the 27-year old WR is finding a suitor that is willing to take on his $12.5 million cap hit. 

The biggest problem, for the Eagles, lies in the question marks surrounding wide receiver if D-Jack is in fact shipped out. You are left with Jeremy Maclin, coming off his second ACL tear, Riley Cooper, Damaris Johnson and Jeff Maehl. With the addition of Darren Sproles as well as tight ends Celek and Ertz the Birds have plenty of playmakers but why trade one of your most dynamic ones? The trade value for Jackson is a 4th round pick at best. You rarely find value for a player in the trade market. I wouldn't trade D-Jack for anything less than a first round pick, which will never happen. It seems as if the Eagles are willing to out right cut Jackson if a deal cannot be made. 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Eagles have the talent, coaching and potential to win a Super Bowl immediately. A Shady, D-Jack, Maclin, Celek, Ertz, Cooper, Sproles offense is scary good. Let's keep it that way. Jeffrey Lurie is one of Jackson's biggest supporters and can hopefully remedy the situation. Sadly it seems as if Kelly and Roseman are intent on parting ways with D-Jack.

It is a situation that seems to be spiraling out of control. I still believe the Eagles are a better team, on the field, with #10 at WR.

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