NFL Free Agency 2014: Seahawks could be ‘major player’ in landing DeSean Jackson
Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) gets the fans pumped up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines Friday morning by releasing wide receiver DeSean Jackson, leaving him up for grabs for several teams hungry for an offensive playmaker.
The Seahawks have had their name linked with Jackson’s for a few weeks, but now that Jackson is a free agent, they could be front-runners to land the receiver.
The Seahawks, 49ers, Jets, Raiders among the trams that had prior interest in DeSean Jackson, FWIW. Have a gut Seattle is a major player
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 28, 2014
Jackson is an outstanding receiver and coming off one of the best seasons of his career.
In 2013, he had 82 catches for 1,332 yards (both career-highs) and tied his career-high with nine touchdown grabs.
Those numbers made it interesting that the Eagles dropped Jackson after originally only wanting to give him up in a trade.
But a new article published by NJ.com alleges the Eagles learned that Jackson is affiliated with a street gang in Los Angeles, and that might be why they let him go.
Here is a brief excerpt from the article:
"And when the Eagles looked more deeply into why Jackson was missing meetings, they found that his friends were becoming a more powerful — and negative — influence in his life.Then, suddenly, the Eagles had even more serious concerns when they were revealed by NJ.com — Jackson’s continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members who have been connected to two homicides since 2010."
If the allegations are true, NFL teams might be wary to sign Jackson, especially the Seahawks.
Would #Seahawks want DeSean Jackson? Not if gang reports are true. @PeteCarroll runs http://t.co/e1WPH05dql to help rid LA of gang violence
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 28, 2014
Gang affiliation allegations could result in 1-2yr deal for Jackson. He gets good short term $ and then could hit market again b4 he's 30
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 28, 2014
The Seahawks already have a playmaker in Percy Harvin, but they are still looking for a receiver to replace Golden Tate.
Perhaps it would be wise to just wait until the NFL Draft to pick up another receiver.
Plus, the Seahawks have already said they are not interested in Jackson. Has that changed since now the Seahawks woudn’t have to trade anything to get him?
For now, we must simply sit and wait while letting Pete Carroll and John Schneider work their magic.