DeSean Jackson is staying in the NFC East, as the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver and returner reached a three-year agreement with the Washington Redskins, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Philadelphia had been trying to trade Jackson for weeks leading up to his release, but could not find any team willing to take on his salary, which was due to be $10 million this year. The day Jackson was released, a story broke about his potential ties to the Crips, a notorious Los Angeles gang. Jackson vehemently denied the story was true.
Last year, Jackson has the most productive season of his NFL career. Under first-year head coach Chip Kelly, Jackson amassed 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns, helping to lead the Eagles to the NFC East title.
The competition to sign Jackson was fierce, with many teams rumored to be involved with him. The Kansas City Chiefs were speculated early on as a frontrunner because of Jackson’s ties to head coach Andy Reid, coupled with their need for a receiver. However, they dropped out of the race early on. The Oakland Raiders were also looked at as a natural fit, being Jackson’s hometown team and holding the most cap space.
Similarly, the 49ers were in the mix but also balked at his high asking price.
It was Washington that ultimately landed Jackson after a visit Monday that went well enough to keep the receiver from making any additional visits. With the Redskins, Jackson will almost certainly start opposite Pierre Garcon, who tallied 113 receptions for 1,346 yards and five touchdowns in five touchdowns.
Jackson can also be penciled in as the starting punt returner for the Redskins, as Josh Morgan and Santana Moss handled the duties in 2013 and were underwhelming in the role. Both were allowed to leave the franchise in free agency leaving little competition for Jackson who has four punt return touchdowns in the last three seasons.
