Washington Redskins Should Start Considering A Contract Extension With DeSean Jackson
Aug 26, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills defensive back Sterling Moore (41) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Desean Jackson is in his contract year. Should the Redskins start talking to him about a new contract now?
As the final year of DeSean Jackson’s contract looms, speculation has begun to mount about his future with the Redskins. The team and player haven’t broached contract negotiations to extend him beyond this year. The Redskins, however, would be wise to explore a new deal before Jackson hits the open market in 2017.
Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson’s Playmaking Skills Are Invaluable To The Redskins Offense
The reasons for bringing him back are obvious. Jackson’s game-breaking speed and quick-strike abilities have victimized countless defensive backs since the Eagles drafted him in 2008. Unlike other downfield receivers whose only redeeming feature is their straight-line speed, Jackson’s penchant for big plays is keyed by his ability to track a deep ball while on the move. This unique skill set, derived from his play as a baseball outfielder, sets him apart from other speed merchants who are essentially track stars dressed up in football garb.
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While critics will point to shortcomings in Jackson’s route tree, he’s got enough branches in his repertoire for Sean McVay and Jay Gruden to use in deploying him anywhere downfield. That’s because Jackson can create cushions in coverage for easy intermediate gains. McVay and Gruden can also tap into Jackson’s playmaking skills by throwing shorter passes to him in space. This has allowed Jackson to excel at converting quick throws into much larger gains.
While Jackson doesn’t like to admit it, he also provides considerable value when he’s not catching passes. His ability to stretch the field forces defensive coordinators to consistently gameplan for him. This allows other receivers – and the running game – to make significant contributions to the Redskins offense. Paired with playmaking tight end Jordan Reed who draws coverage underneath, the Redskins can take advantage of countless chunk-yard opportunities in their intermediate passing game.
This sustained record of production and the lack of any viable replacement for Jackson make re-signing him a priority. The primary factor in striking a new deal, of course, is the price to keep him in Washington. In 2014, Jackson signed a three-year, $24 million contract with $16 million in guarantees. While it’s unclear whether he’ll seek a similar deal, it’s far better to find that out sooner rather than later.
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) celebrates the victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Why It’s Better To Start Talks Now Rather Than Later
Negotiating with him now allows the team to keep Jackson from hitting free agency and avoid a bidding war for his services. In particular, this will provide the team a captive negotiating audience with Jackson months before free agency opens. Not unlike franchising Kirk Cousins, this strategy will optimize the Redskins’ chances of retaining Jackson at a price it’s comfortable with.
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In doing so, both parties will have ample time to hash out contractual details and concerns each have going forward. One issue will center on Jackson’s age — he turns 30 on December 1. Another is the team’s concern about his sometimes limited availability due to injury.
These proactive contractual talks will also yield the collateral benefit in showing Cousins that it’s serious in keeping its offensive arsenal intact. This will only incentivize Cousins to remain here to captain a team that’s currently on the rise.
If, however, the team determines it can’t re-sign Jackson, this will give it a chance to make other arrangements far in advance of his departure. The Redskins, for instance, could consider bringing back Pierre Garcon or begin looking for a downfield threat in free agency. Or the team can begin planning to use its cap space to shore up other roster positions. These include Bashaud Breeland and Morgan Moses, whom the team will likely seek to extend and whose rookie deals expire next year.
Dec 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) celebrates with Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 35-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jackson Wants To Stay In Washington
The good news is that Jackson himself has stressed that he wants to remain in Washington. But, he’s also made clear that he’s keeping his options open. Despite leaving on bad terms with Philadelphia, Jackson has stated that he wouldn’t rule out a return there (per Brandon Lee Gowton of Philly Mag). He’s explained that his bitter falling out in 2014 was, according to Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice, due more to Chip Kelly than Philadelphia itself. Because Kelly isn’t in Philadelphia anymore, Jackson has mentioned Philadelphia as a possible free agency destination if he leaves Washington.
The Redskins, of course, should do whatever it can to avoid this from happening. If Jackson leaves, he’ll not only create a void in the team’s passing game, but he’ll fill another for a division opponent. Indeed, the Redskins are all too familiar with how Jackson terrorized its secondary as an Eagle receiver twice a season. This should therefore underscore the need to at least start contract talks with Jackson now.
And waiting for deadlines to force Jackson to the negotiating table may not be the best idea with Jackson. This undoubtedly will be his last big-money contract in his career. If he doesn’t believe that he’ll get one before free agency opens, there are plenty of other teams willingly to overpay for his services.
Before it comes to that, prudence would dictate that the team do what it can to avoid that from occurring. In turn, this will give the team its best shot to retain one of the League’s few playmaking receivers. This, of course, isn’t to say that the team must sign him at all costs. But proactively addressing this issue will potentially be best not only for the Redskins, but Jackson as well.
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