2012 NFL Free Agents: Giving DeSean Jackson Franchise Tag Best Bet for Eagles

DeSean Jackson is not going to be a Philadelphia Eagle for the rest of his career.

He wants a bigger paycheck and seems sick of his surroundings despite having one of the best quarterbacks and running backs in the league. His immaturity was on full display this past season, and while he is one of the fastest and deadliest players in the game, the risk in a long-term deal with over $20M guaranteed is a bad business decision.

So instead of losing Jackson in free agency, might as well get something in return. Jeff McLande of Philly.com is all but certain that the Eagles will be dropping the franchise tag on him.  

It makes sense for both parties.

The other options are a trade (a rarity in today’s NFL) or letting him sign with another team and getting nothing in return.

It gives Jackson another year to pretend like he’s a team player and distance himself from a 2011 that was marred by contract disputes and laziness. McLande reports that currently agent Drew Rosenhaus is looking to land his client a deal in the five-year, $50 million neighborhood. Certainly not worth it for a player that had a grand total of 14 yards and one touchdown inside the 20-yard line this season.

If Jackson puts up big numbers for an Eagles team that will be projected to be a Super Bowl contender, he will land that deal with a team desperate for a No. 1 receiver (cough, 49ers, cough).

The Eagles get a hungry Jackson that is satisfied with the amount of money for one-year ($9.5 million), but still looking for the lucrative long-term deal. The 25-year-old will give the team his full attention and effort…something that you’d think every player would do, but that’s the reality of some of the stars in this league.

This is a make-or-break season that will determine the futures of scores of players on the roster and head coach Andy Reid. They can’t afford to have a rogue member of the team angry at management and feeling sorry for himself. Philadelphia can keep its top receiver while still having a no-strings-attached-like setup.

It’s the perfect situation for guys in a relationship with a girl and the perfect situation for the Eagles in 2012.

Besides, do you really feel comfortable with Riley Cooper being a starter?