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Steve Smith, Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson


While the Eagles arguably had two of the best receivers in the game before signing Steve Smith, one has to wonder how this signing will affect negotiations with DeSean Jackson. Obviously, the Eagles knew that Smith was a possibility during the DeSean holdout, but how sure a thing it was is not clear.  Maybe this is why so little movement has been made to nail DeSean down long term. Do the Eagles actually see DeSean as expendable?

With a Avant and Cooper waiting in the wings,  and even more young talent behind them, the Eagles now have a very strong receiving corps - so long as there isn't something terribly wrong (career threatening) with Maclin.

 It is possible that the Eagles will expect DeSean to soften his demands, given such a talent may now be starting with or ahead of him, but I am not sure that the signing of Smith really puts DeSean in a much weaker negotiating postition. DeSean's capabilities are unique, note even Steve Smith is as dangerous, and any team in the NFL could find a place for him. I would sure rather have DeSean on my team than playing against it.