2012 NFL Free Agents: Eagles Owner Smart to Keep DeSean Jackson Options Open

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson was the center of attention all season and rarely was it due to his on-field performance. The wideout generated a lot of controversy because of his lackadaisical attitude and ongoing contract issues.

Despite those problems, team owner Jeffrey Lurie kept the door open for a possible return next season, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

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"So I would welcome him back," Lurie said. "If the right terms develop he would be welcomed back. We have the leverage of, obviously, we can do what we choose to do and control his situation. Terrific player and I really don't agree with those that don't think that he's tapped his potential fully. I think he hasn't and he has a chance to get even better."

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Jackson is undoubtedly a terrific talent and, when focused on the task at hand, is one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive and special teams threats. He's deserving of a hefty raise to be sure, but you have to wonder how his handling of the situation will effect negotiations.

The Eagles could use the franchise tag on him if a deal isn't reached, which would ensure he stays in Philadelphia for at least one more season.

Keeping Jackson is the only way Michael Vick would have a chance to bounce back from an average-at-best season. Vick is not the type of quarterback who is able to do more with less like Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning.

He needs to be surrounded with a plethora of weapons that are able to make plays downfield. Jackson clearly fits into that category as he's not somebody who spends a lot of time running underneath routes. His job is to stretch the defense to allow other guys like Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper to have operating room.

The Eagles will have a lot of decisions to make after a disappointing season, but it seems like Lurie is keeping a level head. Philadelphia made a run near the end of the season and showed off some of that potential everybody was expecting to see right away.

Major changes aren't needed to make the team a contender, just a couple of minor additions to fill obvious holes like run defense.

Jackson can still be a major factor in the Eagles rise moving forward but he, like so many athletes, just want to be paid reasonably for his services. The worries about his dedication would likely diminish if he was being fairly compensated.

Lurie understands that's not too much to ask, which is why he kept his options open. Walking away from a potential return just because of one rocky season isn't good business in a league like the NFL, where some players are on their third or fourth chances to prove they aren't a team cancer.

Only time will tell if Lurie is willing to shell out big bucks for a long-term deal, but he's handled the situation perfectly so far.