Sources: Eagles plan to apply franchise tag to DeSean Jackson
According to this report, as well as several others, the Philadelphia Eagles are planning to apply the franchise tag to talented, but troubled, wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
It is rumored the Eagles are evaluating three potential scenarios for Jackson: placing the franchise tag on him to keep him, placing the franchise tag on him and then trading him, or working on a long-term contract extension with Jackson.
Because of his attitude issues, and what has been considered lack of respect toward the Eagles’ front office this past season, it would be a surprise to see the team extend a long-term, high-dollar extension to Jackson on the hope things begin to mend.
In using the franchise tag, the Eagles will have the option to trade Jackson prior to league’s March 5th trade deadline. Otherwise, if they decide to keep him for the 2012 season the Eagles will be facing at least a one-year, $12 million deal assuming Jackson is willing to take a short-term offer from Philadelphia and not hold out to broker a better deal.
Drew Rosenhaus, Jackson’s agent, is believed to have once been in talks with the Eagles front-office to try and work a 5-year, $50 million deal to keep Jackson in an Eagles uniform long-term. This offer was balked at immediately by the Eagles, so it is reasonable to assume a long-term extension wouldn’t now be feasible given the frustrating season Jackson, and the Eagles, experienced in 2011.
If Philadelphia does indeed franchise Jackson it will not be a surprise by any means. In fact, Jackson was told as soon as the 2011 season ended he would be franchised, and and seemed to accept that fate with grace.
How the Eagles will use that franchise tag seems to be the greater mystery than whether it will be used.
Either way, teams looking for a deep threat should be on watch.
DeSean Jackson could soon be available on the trading block.
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