DeSean Jackson: Philadelphia Eagles Talking His Value Up to Trade Him?

The Philadelphia Eagles have yet to reach an agreement with DeSean Jackson, and their intentions remain unknown. The franchise tag is considered the resolution most likely to happen, because both sides get what they want: The Eagles get to keep the player or trade him instead of losing him with nothing in return, and Jackson will receive his big paycheck.

Howie Roseman, the team’s general manager, spoke highly of Jackson, but denied to publicize any details about the situation.

“We feel fortunate to have a player of DeSean Jackson’s magnitude on our football team and I think the future is bright for DeSean Jackson,” Roseman said. Additionally, he avoided talking about replacements.

Obviously, Roseman is not shutting the door on Jackson. He knows that even in a bad year, Jackson was the Eagles’ best wideout in 2011 and that it wouldn’t be wise to feed the fire.

On the other hand, if the Eagles were willing to offer Jackson the contract he desires, they could have done it by now. They are still weighing their options and DeSean Jackson might not be their priority.

Roseman gave me the impression that he wanted to make Jackson look like one of the best players in the league, while the team he manages is treating him like an ordinary player. Could this be a marketing trick looking to build Jackson’s value up ahead of a trade?

Franchise tag designation begins tomorrow for the NFL teams, and it will be very intriguing to see how things develop in Philadelphia and how the free agency map will be drawn.