DeSean Jackson: Why Philadelphia Eagles Should Re-Sign Troubled WR

DeSean Jackson is having a bad year.

From a training camp holdout to dropped passes to suspect effort, it hasn't been pretty. The speedy receiver has become a lightning rod for criticism, and deservedly so.

In the moment, it's easy to watch Jackson and say it's time to move on. He doesn't deserve top money, but he is still an incredibly valuable piece of this offense.

Take a step back from the current turmoil and think about all that Jackson is capable of bringing to the field.

Still a Big-Play Option

As terrible as 2011 has been, Jackson is still on pace to reach 1,000 yards receiving, and he still averages 16.2 yards per catch.

His play and attitude of late have been infuriating. However, he is still one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL.

The Philadelphia Eagles offense is predicated on the big play, and that's exactly what Jackson brings. As long as Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg are calling plays, this offense won't change.

Jackson's game-breaking ability hasn't disappeared.

Takes Attention off Other Receivers

When deciding whether or not to cut DeSean Jackson loose, one must consider the effect that it will have on the receivers left behind.

Jeremy Maclin is fast and talented in his own right, but he has never had to function as No. 1 receiver for a prolonged stretch. After Maclin, the Eagles' options are less than thrilling.

Jason Avant is a steady contributor, but needs to stay as a possession man in the slot.

Riley Cooper shows flashes of ability, but his critical drops show he's not ready to step into a full-time starting role.

Finally, receiver Steve Smith will likely walk after a failed one-year experiment.

Losing Jackson would hurt the production of the rest of the Eagles' receivers.

Opens Running Lanes

The Philadelphia Eagles might be the league's best rushing team that refuses to run the ball.

LeSean McCoy is having a breakout year. He is currently leading the league in rushing yards and averages over five yards per carry.

DeSean Jackson is legitimate contributor to those impressive totals.

Jackson's world-class speed often scares teams into bracketing their defenses with a deep safety. That means one less body near the line of scrimmage.

Michael Vick's game-changing runs are helped by Jackson's routes as well. As defenses turn their backs to track Jackson, the intermediate areas of field are left open for Vick to exploit.

The attention that Jackson garners loosens up the defense for the Eagles' ground game. 

Threat on Special Teams

DeSean Jackson is capable of changing a game in matter of seconds with his punt return skills. Just ask the 2010 New York Giants.

His 2011 return numbers aren't indicative of his abilities.

Though he is averaging only 7.3 yards per return this year, he is still a speedster with four return touchdowns during his career.

His potential to make plays on special teams make him even more valuable.

2011 has been a season to forget, but it would be a mistake to let Jackson leave.