The biggest question of the offseason has officially been answered. The Eagles and DeSean Jackson have agreed to a new 5 year, $51 million deal that reportedly includes $15 million in guarantees. The trade rumors can officially end, Jackson will be an Eagle through the 2017 season.
It's a big money for Jackson, but given the market for WRs this offseason it appears to be perfectly fair. Stevie Johnson signed a 5 year, $36.25 million deal, with $19.5 guaranteed. Les overall value but more up front. Vincent Jackson signed a 5 year, $55 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. Marques Colston signed a 5 year deal reportedly worth around $40 million.
PFT says that the base value of the deal is $47 million but can reach $51 if all incentives are met.
When you look at what Jackson has done in his four years in the league, he is an exceptional playmaker. ESPN Stats & Info pointed out that Jackson has 41 receptions of at least 30 yards or more over the past four seasons. That's tied for the most in the NFL with Calvin Johnson.
Since entering the league, Jackson has an NFL-best 25 receptions of 40 or more yards and a league-high 14 touchdowns of at least 50 yards. He’s scored long touchdowns at an historic rate; Jackson’s nine 50-yard touchdowns in 2009 tied the NFL single-season record held by Devin Hester (2007) and Elroy Hirsch (1951).
Jackson also has the ability to score from all over the field. He’s scored at least once on a rush, reception and punt return in three of his four seasons. The only player in league history to with more seasons with a rushing, receiving and punt return touchdown is Eric Metcalf, who did it every year from 1992 to 1995.
He's earned the money and frankly I can't wait to see a happy and fearless DeSean Jackson take on the NFL next season. I think he'll back to form.
The move also reportedly creates an extra $6.6 million in cap space this season. According to Jeff McLane, some of that money may go to guy up next... LeSean McCoy.