Brad Mills- USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles WR DeSean Jackson has had some solid seasons in years past. He has proven that he is a legitimate vertical threat and can stretch the field forcing two defenders to cover him on the go route. However, the past two seasons have showed a drop-off in production. This means that Jackson needs to get back to becoming a dynamic wide receiver and explosive playmaker if he wants to continue to play for the Eagles.
The one statistic that jumps out at me is that Jackson only has six touchdowns in the past two seasons. He also has not posted a 1,000 yard season since 2010 where he had 1,056 yards. Jackson has also been labeled as a one trick pony, which means he is only good a one thing and that is going deep. Jackson needs to prove that he is worth that five-year, $47 million contract he signed prior to the 2012 season. Seeing all of that money go to a guy that has put up average numbers in the past few years shows that the Eagles could be using that money for someone else.
Jackson will have a base salary of $6.75 million this upcoming season of which $4 million is guaranteed. That is a lot of money given to a guy who hasn’t put up big numbers since 2010. If Jackson has another mediocre season and is still making headlines for non-football reasons, this might be the end of the road, especially with a guy like Jeremy Maclin right behind him in his contract year.
This is a big year for Jackson given the way the contract is drawn up. The Eagles pretty much committed to Jackson for the first two seasons of his new deal which means that the rest of his contract is filled with optional years. Jackson’s base salary for 2013 will be $6.75 million and then it goes up to $10.25 million in 2014. So if Jackson does not spark under Chip Kelly’s offense be prepared for another contract controversy.
Now I know Jackson has the ability to change the game on one play. He is one of the most exciting players in the league, but when you’re giving a guy that much money and only seeing average numbers, that should be turning some heads in the front office. Kelly is going to have to design some plays to get Jackson in the open field. However, if Jackson continues to put up average numbers this may be the end of the line for him in Philly after the 2013 season.
