Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson Placed under the Franchise Tag

It’s official. The Philadelphia Eagles became the first NFL team to use the franchise tag in 2012 after deciding to tag DeSean Jackson. Jeff McLane tweeted that Jackson will receive the tag from the Eagles and Albert Breer reported the same thing a few minutes later.

The news was also confirmed by the team’s official website.

Jackson has the option to sign the franchise tag and receive an average wage of $9.4 million in 2012, or hold out. If he signs, he will be an Eagle for the forthcoming season unless the team decides to trade him.

However, the Eagles hold Jackson in high regard and they will most likely keep him while trying to reach a long-term agreement.They have to make that happen until July, 16 or Jackson can only play in 2012 under the franchise tag.

Jackson’s performance in 2011 was anything but stellar, with a total of 961 receiving yards and just four touchdowns. Additionally, he chose to hold out for the biggest part of the team’s training camp in August. Despite that, he didn’t get the contract he wished for.

It remains unclear of the Eagles tried to sign him in a multi-year contract before throwing the franchise tag on the table.