Philadelphia Eagles: 7 Reasons DeSean Jackson Deserves a Deal Over Michael Vick

The Philadelphia Eagles showcased a spectacular offense in 2010, built around the speed of quarterback Michael Vick and wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

Both players have emerged as stars in the NFL, but the Eagles might not have the financial means to sign each of them to long-term deals. There's no question that their talents and strengths complement each other, but why is DeSean Jackson more valuable to the team?

Here's why Jackson should get the big money over Vick, if the front office was faced with the choice.

7. Philadelphia Hasn't Reached a Recent Super Bowl Without Star Receivers

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DENVER - OCTOBER 30: Wide receiver Terrell Owens #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 30, 2005 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Eagles 49-21. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Ge

The last time the Eagles were in the Super Bowl, during the 2004 season, Terrell Owens had a monstrous year. He caught nine passes for 122 yards in the Super Bowl, too.

Donovan McNabb was a star for the Eagles every year, yet the team always came up short in the playoffs—usually in the NFC Championship. Maybe with a few more receivers, McNabb would have had more chances to win a ring.

The point is, the Eagles don't have much to show for without a playmaking receiver on the team, and DeSean Jackson embodies the definition of an explosive playmaker.

6. Vick's Injury Tendencies

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles dives over to score a touchdown against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Time and time again, Michael Vick is referred to as so much more than just a quarterback. His out-of-pocket style has led to several injuries, and 2010 was no exception.

Vick broke his collarbone in a collision in the home game against the Redskins this past season. He often puts his body on the line when trying to escape the pocket for a big run.

The referees themselves evidently treat Vick differently too, because he often never gives up on a play, even when running towards the sideline.

The question for the Eagles is, "How long can Vick last?" If the team decides he's too much of a risk to keep around into his mid-30s, let him go.

5. Vick Hasn't Totally Proven Himself Yet

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Vick #7 of the Atlanta Falcons stands with his head downcast on the field during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on September 18, 2005 in Seattle, Washington. Seahawks won 21-18. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/

Without a doubt, Michael Vick's comeback to the NFL is probably the greatest in football history. His accomplishments from 2010 are gaudy when considering how high the odds were stacked against him, but he still has more to prove.

It would be best for Philadelphia to treat Vick's contract situation as a yearly thing, which is probably why they franchise-tagged him.

If he can again reach anywhere near his numbers from 2010 and is willing to stay in Philadelphia, the Eagles should take what they can get from him. He's already 30 years old and, as mentioned before, his body wears down much quicker than a star pocket quarterback.

4. Vick's Age

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles scrtambles against B.J. Raji #90 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (

At 30 years old, Michael Vick probably has four to five years left in his NFL career at most.

He's an outstanding athlete, but his fragile frame and reckless, out-of-pocket decisions make his body age much faster with injuries.

DeSean Jackson is only 24 years old and he's just beginning the prime of his career right now.

Vick won't have his quick first step forever. One must remember that, even if he stays healthy over the next few seasons, his skills will diminish with age. 

3. DeSean Jackson's Versatility

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles eludes Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants and returns a punt for the winning touchdown as time runs out defeating the Giants 38-31 during their game on December 19, 2010 a

There isn't any receiver in the NFL right now that can combine his great skills as a pass catcher and make himself an even better punt returner.

DeSean Jackson's last-play punt return for a touchdown against the New York Giants in 2010 will forever be remembered and is a testament to how dangerous he really is.

He gives Philadelphia's offense great field position even before Michael Vick comes on the field, and his talents should never be taken for granted.

Jackson is truly the best returner in the game and he should be rewarded for it.

2. Jackson's Current Salary

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DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 02: DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles, poses at the Super Bowl XLV media center after accepting the '2010 GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Year' award on February 2, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty I

DeSean Jackson made just over $800,000 in 2010, which is an absolute bargain for Philadelphia.

After producing back-to-back seasons of 1,000 yards receiving (a different quarterback in each season), it's time Jackson gets what he deserves.

The Eagles should lock up this speeding stud while the offense is still peaking, because he seems to be very comfortable where he's at and has far out-performed his current contract.

Michael Vick made more money than Jackson last season, raking in over $5 million.

Since Jackson is just as much of a key to this explosive offense as Vick, he should be paid evenly too. Jackson is soon to be a top-five receiver in the NFL and with that high status usually comes a fat paycheck.

1. NFL Lockout/Collective Bargaining Agreement

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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 11: National Football League Players' Association (NFLPA) executive director DeMaurice Smith (R) and Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday (L) talk with the media following meetings at the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Servi

At this point, the financial situation in the NFL is a mess and free agency is on hold until further notice, ever since the NFL announced the lockout.

DeSean Jackson has been vocal about getting a new contract, even talking to Terrell Owens about it. That's not a good sign.

Since Vick is already franchise-tagged, the Eagles might be able to lock Jackson up once a CBA deal is agreed upon. The sooner it's done, the happier Jackson will be.

The Eagles shouldn't waste any time pushing for a new CBA, because Jackson's contract is nearly up and he grows more frustrated by the day.

We have seen the swagger and demeanor of Jackson on television. He wants his money. Once a new CBA is in place, Philadelphia should sign him immediately.