Why Philadelphia Eagles Should Trade, Not Franchise DeSean Jackson

The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly decided to place the franchise tag on wide receiver DeSean Jackson. While this news is hardly shocking, if they can't work out a long-term deal with the two-time Pro Bowler, the Eagles should trade him, rather than pay him the $9.4 million that would be owed to him under the franchise tag.

Don't get me wrong, Jackson is a valuable piece of Philadelphia's roster, but $9.4 million is far too much for a guy who spent most of 2011 pouting about his lack of a long-term contract. His attitude this past season definitely affected the Eagles' chemistry and at one point he was even benched by head coach Andy Reid because his play just wasn't up to par.

When he's focused and playing well, Jackson a a difference-maker on the field. He is someone defenses have to account for, and he's only 25. That means he should have a lot of great years ahead of him. But if the Eagles can't get him signed to a long-term deal this offseason, he might make waves yet again. There is really no reason to believe he will just shut up and play.

Earlier in the offseason, Jackson admitted that his attitude hadn't been the best and claimed he'd be fine playing with the franchise tag in 2012. But, he may have just been saying that to make himself more attractive to the team long-term. By apologizing, he may have taken some of the stink off of himself league wide as well.

The fact of the matter is, Jackson played in 15 games during the 2011 season and had 58 catches for 961 yards and just four touchdowns. Those are not the numbers of someone worthy of $9.4 million for a single season.

If the Eagles can't work out a long-term deal with him, they should attempt to move him while he still has a lot of value.