DeSean Jackson Is Worth Trade Gamble Despite Lucrative Contract

The Philadelphia Eagles seem either intent on drafting another offensive playmaker or believe their innovative schemes can compensate for the potential loss of wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Rumor has it that the Eagles are fielding trade offers for Jackson. Even though he has three years left on his contract and is making $10.5 million in 2014, he is well worth acquiring from Philadelphia.

Apparently several front offices agree with that sentiment. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Jackson is drawing interest from the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and Oakland Raiders:

Derrick Gunn of CSNPhilly.com cited a league source who said the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers have also inquired about a deal:

Head coach Chip Kelly guided Philadelphia to an NFC East title in his maiden season at the helm in 2013, with Jackson enjoying a career year in the process. The 27-year-old speedster had 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns, serving as an ideal deep threat for quarterback Nick Foles but also showing unprecedented polish.

Pro Football Focus noted how often Jackson was able to stretch the field, which allowed the Eagles' elite rushing attack to flourish:

Despite a diminutive frame, it's safe to say Jackson produced like a No. 1 wide receiver. But that doesn't appear to be stopping his current team from trying to ship him out of town.

PhillyMag.com's Tim McManus reports that Jackson feels he'll be gone:

According to a report by Gunn, the Eagles desire at least a third-round pick in return if Jackson is to be moved.

Although the impending draft is considered among the deepest in NFL history, that seems like a modest cost to pay for a Pro Bowler of Jackson's caliber—on top of his contract.

Jackson is worth the money he's owed entering the third season of his current five-year, $48.5 million deal (h/t Spotrac.com). The three teams Rapoport reported on are in dire need of someone to boost their passing games.

The Jets are reportedly visiting with free-agent QB Michael Vick on Friday, who served as the backup in Philadelphia last season. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg coached both Vick and Jackson with the Eagles, so a reunion would make a lot of sense there.

Carolina has lost just about all of its receivers between Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. Dynamic signal-caller Cam Newton is also slated for a four-month recovery from offseason ankle surgery, so if the Panthers want any hope of defending the NFC South, Jackson would be a big help.

Then there's the Oakland Raiders, who traded for QB Matt Schaub on Friday, per the team's official Twitter account:

A young receiving corps in Oakland would benefit from a veteran such as Jackson, who has a strong resume and could also help Schaub get his career back on track.

With the Patriots and 49ers being presumptive Super Bowl contenders, the incentive to add a difference-maker such as Jackson has to be high. Both lost in their conference championship games, and they need an X-factor on offense to help them take that next step.

And even beyond those five teams, plenty of other suitors could conceivably emerge, given Jackson's elite explosiveness, dangerous ability after the catch and refined development. It's a bit of a shock that the Eagles are even considering letting him go.

Linebacker Mychal Kendricks felt Jackson had a great year and doesn't want to see him go, per NFL.com's Marc Sessler:

At certain points in Jackson's career, consistency with regard to his effort has been questioned, and he's displayed a volatile attitude at times. The numbers from 2013 suggest that Kendricks is correct in his testimony to the contrary.

Jackson still has another big payday down the road given his younger age, natural talent and apparent sharpened focus. All of those factors should make prospective new teams more amicable to paying so much for Jackson over the next three seasons.

There is no guarantee this trade will go down, but it sure sounds like it will. If so, Philadelphia will have a hard time replacing such a uniquely skilled wideout. The Eagles have Jeremy Maclin coming off a torn ACL that held him out all of last year, and their only other viable threat at the position is Riley Cooper.

Some franchise is going to be rewarded by its leap of faith in sending a rather high draft pick to land Jackson—and Philadelphia will suffer the consequences in 2014 and beyond.