DeSean Jackson -- Should we?

[SkinsJock]

... what I was wondering is: if we're no longer trying to add the best player available, then what strategy ARE we using exactly? I'm hoping its not "overpay for the third best player available".

we ARE trying to add players that help make our team 'better' - we do take the BPA but not just at ANY position like Dumb and Dumber used to do

I don't remember ANY reason why you'd hope or think that this FO might "overpay for the third best player available"



I'd be VERY surprised if Jackson is here this season but .... if the FO thinks he's worth the risk that's fine with me
we need to win 5 or 6 more games this season - if DeSean Jackson helps us do that, we should put him in B&G

[riggofan]

we ARE trying to add players that help make our team 'better' - we take the BPA but not just at any position like Dumb and Dumber used to do

So we'll take the best player available at some positions but not every position? That's literally what you just wrote.

I know what point you're trying to make, but even then I'm just not sure I completely agree with it. I think the Redskins like every other team want to add the best player available at EVERY position. What I see (or at least hope) has changed is that we're being more prudent about the money and contracts. It makes no sense to blow the bank on one guy and leave 21 holes on the rest of the team.

We're also not crazily pursuing the "big name past their prime players" which is not the same as the "best player available", is it?

You probably just need to get your point straightened out, before you start defending it.

So back to DJAX, one thing I read recently was that he and Garcon are similar players and it would be a challenge to get the ball to both of them. (The big difference between them is just Jackson's straight ahead, get down the field speed.) Also adding Jackson would move Roberts into the slot for sure. Any comments on that?

I'm blown away that he is visiting here tomorrow. Bruce Allen has shown that a visit doesn't really mean much in FA, but I'm still pretty amazed.

[Kilmer72]

I'm wondering how this could even be possible. Who is going to restructure their contract in order to make this happen? How can you sign him, draft people and pay them; have to deal with signing Rak if he impresses and Robert and young company in the near future? It sounds good to have someone here that can take over a game or atleast leave our #1 more open at times but this baffles me. I would rather sacrifice money like that on a middle linebacker/leader. I get it that there are no middle linebackers available. Save the cap space and draft our own receiver.

[Chris Luva Luva]

So back to DJAX, one thing I read recently was that he and Garcon are similar players and it would be a challenge to get the ball to both of them. (The big difference between them is just Jackson's straight ahead, get down the field speed.) Also adding Jackson would move Roberts into the slot for sure. Any comments on that?

I disagree with the notion that they're similar because they're used differently. Jackson's stats...

19th in receptions
9th in yards
9th in YPC
14th in TD's
11th in YPG

Very mediocre stats, right? So why is he so highly coveted? He opens it up for anyone and anything around him. He's taking the lid off of any defense and taking a safety with him. That's shown in about the only thing he is top 3 in, catches of 20+ yards (he is #2).

Thus far, Garcon has been a high reception YAC guy and is amazing in that regard. If we get Jax, you HAVE to run a lot of 3WR sets. Garcon is THE guy. U brought Andre in because you stated he'd be a #2/#3 guy. And then you have a diva in Jackson who was THE guy in Philly. Gruden MUST be creative in catering to their egos and needs.

Who will defenses focus on? Jackson? Garcon? Reed? You'll have Morris on the field too... Andre is a good blocker. Garcon is a punishing blocker. Jackson, I'm not sure of. Reed was a pleasant surprise in his willingness to block. So you have a bunch of speed guys who WANT to block and can bust it open at ANY time. Thats got-d*** lethal!

I'm wondering how this could even be possible. Who is going to restructure their contract in order to make this happen? How can you sign him, draft people and pay them; have to deal with signing Rak if he impresses and Robert and young company in the near future? It sounds good to have someone here that can take over a game or atleast leave our #1 more open at times but this baffles me. I would rather sacrifice money like that on a middle linebacker/leader. I get it that there are no middle linebackers available. Save the cap space and draft our own receiver.

- We have 7M left.
- Jackson's stats don't warrant a mega contract as shown above.
- Jackson is not in position to demand anything with the character assassination that just occurred.
- So if the money is similar from all the teams, he wants to go somewhere that he can screw the Eagles twice a year.

I don't see what's baffling about it. You get a player that as you said will bust this offense wide open. You get a player that WILL BUST THE PR GAME WIDE OPEN. And you're gonna get it at a steal of a price.

So you want to "save the cap space" and get a WR that'll take years to develop, IF he ever does... Save the money for who/what exactly? The Skins have addressed multiple positions, a lot of depth and special teams. Thus offseason has been a win so far.

[Kilmer72]

I don't have the answers only the questions. For who? Our QB in the future for one and then Rak or Morris or whomever. We have 7 mil left. OK, doesn't about 4 mil of that go to draftees? Save cap space for what? If we max out now what happens in an emergency when you have to get a couple of people to fill holes? I am not against him coming here. What I am saying is I would rather draft my own receiver even if it takes a couple or few years to develop. I am also going to state that I have no clue exactly how the cap works. I'm not so sure he wont be signed to a big contract like you are. Maybe we could get away with a one year deal. Then what? Maybe his character assassination will make him vet minimum forever? I am just ignorant of the whole cap thing. I say sign him if there are no ramifications. If it hurts our team then don't.

[riggofan]

Here is the answer on "how can we afford DeSean Jackson":

http://realredskins.com/2014/03/30/can- ... n-jackson/

Definitely worth a read. Bottom line is there are risks, but its definitely do-able and not completely crazy. Another important factor is: "But it should be noted that the NFL salary cap is expected to go up by roughly $10 million in each of the next two years. That makes it possible to put items like a roster bonus in deals the next couple of years because the increase in the cap will help absorb it."

[Kilmer72]

Here is the answer on "how can we afford DeSean Jackson":

http://realredskins.com/2014/03/30/can- ... n-jackson/

Definitely worth a read. Bottom line is there are risks, but its definitely do-able and not completely crazy. Another important factor is: "But it should be noted that the NFL salary cap is expected to go up by roughly $10 million in each of the next two years. That makes it possible to put items like a roster bonus in deals the next couple of years because the increase in the cap will help absorb it."

Thanks...

The short answer is yes. Despite the fact that they have about $7 million in cap room left for the 2014 season, they could construct a contract that would meet Jackson’s contract demands, which likely would be something in the $9 to $10 million per year range.

The contract that Bruce Allen and Eric Schaffer could use as a model is the six-year, $54 million deal that the Saints gave safety Jairus Byrd earlier this month.

I'm still a little worried about what will happen if the season gets extended and more people are needed to be signed but at least this helps me to understand better.

That would not necessarily be impossible to manage but it would create a situation where they would have to squeeze spending in other areas.

But it should be noted that the NFL salary cap is expected to go up by roughly $10 million in each of the next two years. That makes it possible to put items like a roster bonus in deals the next couple of years because the increase in the cap will help absorb it.

The bottom line is that the Redskins could “afford” Jackson but there will be opportunity costs to doing so. They would be much less flexible going forward. But you can argue that you maintain flexibility for situations just like this.

[riggofan]

Btw Kilmer72, we can always still draft a WR even if we were to sign DJAX. IMO, that's a better method of "preparing for the future" than just hoarding cap space.

I'd still love to see the team draft a WR with some size either way. (Jackson and Garcon are both like 5'11" guys.) We all know those WRs rarely contribute in their first year, so it would be a great opportunity to groom a guy without the usual fan pressure on him.

[riggofan]

I'm still a little worried about what will happen if the season gets extended and more people are needed to be signed but at least this helps me to understand better.

No prob! I think that type of emergency scenario you're talking about though isn't really going to cost a ton of money. You can look at like what Jon Kitna got paid to come in last year for the Cowboys. Something like $50K a game. Those types of players don't usually command big contracts.

Hopefully we'll be able to rely a little more on depth too this year when injuries occur.

[riggofan]

Thus far, Garcon has been a high reception YAC guy and is amazing in that regard. If we get Jax, you HAVE to run a lot of 3WR sets. Garcon is THE guy. U brought Andre in because you stated he'd be a #2/#3 guy. And then you have a diva in Jackson who was THE guy in Philly. Gruden MUST be creative in catering to their egos and needs.

Good comments, thanks. I love your point about a guy like Jackson being able to open things up for the rest of the offense. (And I don't think you even included RGIII as a runner in your list of weapons!)

That was sort of the point of the article I read (damn, I wish I could find that again) - not that it couldn't work, but that Gruden would have that challenge of spreading the ball around and keeping those guys happy.

Just reading your comments on it though, it does sound like a problem I'd like to have.

[Kilmer72]

Btw Kilmer72, we can always still draft a WR even if we were to sign DJAX. IMO, that's a better method of "preparing for the future" than just hoarding cap space.

I'd still love to see the team draft a WR with some size either way. (Jackson and Garcon are both like 5'11" guys.) We all know those WRs rarely contribute in their first year, so it would be a great opportunity to groom a guy without the usual fan pressure on him.

I'm intrigued by the possibilities. I hate to not have any cap space but I have seen this organization make do with nothing before. I wouldn't say hoarding. I would say leave a little room. If it doesn't mean anything to have cap space available then by all means spend it all.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Why draft a receiver high when you can get DJax and use that #2 pick for FS our MLB?

I think people need to be aware that we have a lot of needs and not a lot of resources. Folks want us to acquire BPA at RT, RG, LG, C, WR, FS, SS, MLB... This isn't Madden, this isn't FF, this isn't a player auction. We have limited money, limited picks and with those limited resources you gotta pick from a pool of people who MIGHT NOT WANT TO COME HERE or DONT FIT OUR SCHEME.

It's not as simple as people think it is.

[Kilmer72]

I'm not sure anyone said we needed to draft a wide receiver high but I understand what you are saying. That is why I am a little uncomfortable about signing Djax. I would love to have him don't get me wrong. According to that article that Riggofan posted it limits us for our other needs.

That would not necessarily be impossible to manage but it would create a situation where they would have to squeeze spending in other areas.

http://realredskins.com/2014/03/30/can- ... n-jackson/

[Chris Luva Luva]

I'm not sure anyone said we needed to draft a wide receiver high but I understand what you are saying. That is why I am a little uncomfortable about signing Djax. I would love to have him don't get me wrong. According to that article that Riggofan posted it limits us for our other needs.

That would not necessarily be impossible to manage but it would create a situation where they would have to squeeze spending in other areas.

http://realredskins.com/2014/03/30/can- ... n-jackson/

I mentioned getting a WR high because the lower you go, the more irrelevant they become in the NFL. Outside of a top 5 guy, how many rookies come in and make an impact? Very few if any. I think for the level of production we'd get out of DJax, it'd be crazy to not get him. Also, I think where we'll see value is his ability to open things for everyone else. He will take the lid off the defense on every play. Being able to trot Robert, Garcon, Reed and Jackson out on every play AND be able to run the ball with them on field. My goodness...

[Irn-Bru]

I'm surprised how much the gang connection thing has been legitimized. I guess Philly's front office is not known to make flamboyant claims (unlike ours), so they get the benefit of the doubt. Still, this one seems like total spin to me. No substance.

Jackson could really contribute to our team. He is a playmaker on a level that we don't have except in RGIII, and I could see RGIII to Jackson being a huge combination.

It will all come down to money. I really think our FO will avoid giving him an unreasonable contract, so the real questions are (1) whether anyone else is going to pay him big bucks and (2) if not, does he want to come play in DC, where he'll be appreciated and get a chance to play the Eagles twice a year?

[Chris Luva Luva]

I'm surprised how much the gang connection thing has been legitimized. I guess Philly's front office is not known to make flamboyant claims (unlike ours), so they get the benefit of the doubt. Still, this one seems like total spin to me. No substance.

Jackson could really contribute to our team. He is a playmaker on a level that we don't have except in RGIII, and I could see RGIII to Jackson being a huge combination.

It will all come down to money. I really think our FO will avoid giving him an unreasonable contract, so the real questions are (1) whether anyone else is going to pay him big bucks and (2) if not, does he want to come play in DC, where he'll be appreciated and get a chance to play the Eagles twice a year?

I saw a report (I apologize for not having it handy) where the LAPD disagreed with Philly's stance.

(1) As I stated earlier, if the NFL chooses to believe the bogus claim, everyone will want him for cheap. That helps the Redskins because I believe the answer to your 2nd point is a yes. We know very well that these teams will band together to screw over players.

[CanesSkins26]

Not sure how anyone can really think this is a good idea. He just had a career season and the Eagles cut him. His former coach, who needs a wide receiver, isn't in on the bidding. Add in his reputation as a diva, questionable work ethic, and possible off-field issues, and this has Dan Snyder written all over it. And he supposedly threw up a gang sign in a game against the Redskins last season:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/28/report-of-potential-gang-ties-emerged-not-long-before-eagles-cut-desean-jackson/

[Chris Luva Luva]

Not sure how anyone can really think this is a good idea. He just had a career season and the Eagles cut him. His former coach, who needs a wide receiver, isn't in on the bidding. Add in his reputation as a diva, questionable work ethic, and possible off-field issues, and this has Dan Snyder written all over it. And he supposedly threw up a gang sign in a game against the Redskins last season:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/28/report-of-potential-gang-ties-emerged-not-long-before-eagles-cut-desean-jackson/

I can't understand why people are so eager to have such a strong opinion on something in the absence of facts as it relates to the gang ties... I keep reading the words supposedly, and allegedly... The Eagles have yet to even say that was why the released him. I agree in regards to the other character traits you mentioned and that COULD very well be an issue.

Gang signs....







OMG HIS FINGER IS CROOKED!!!!!! Must be a gang sign. Show me a NFL player that doesn't have some crooked fingers... LOL If anyone has researched where his neighborhood and their unique gang signs and have PROVEN this to be it, I'll gladly STFU. Until then, this is just people fishing for sh** to cry about and label him as a "thug gang member".

I'm entertaining the idea of him being here because I think for myself. And he's done nothing wrong thus far other than act like a whiny little b***. I believe the Eagles got tired of his ways and used this ALLEGATION as an out.

[riggofan]

Why draft a receiver high when you can get DJax and use that #2 pick for FS our MLB?

I think people need to be aware that we have a lot of needs and not a lot of resources. Folks want us to acquire BPA at RT, RG, LG, C, WR, FS, SS, MLB... This isn't Madden, this isn't FF, this isn't a player auction. We have limited money, limited picks and with those limited resources you gotta pick from a pool of people who MIGHT NOT WANT TO COME HERE or DONT FIT OUR SCHEME.

It's not as simple as people think it is.

I definitely don't think its "simple" if your comment was directed at me.

To answer your question, even this year I would still POSSIBLY be willing to draft a WR with our second round pick even though I understand we have needs at FS and ILB. (I say POSSIBLY because in my opinion a lot of that depends on who is actually there at #34.)

Outside of QB, WR is one of the most expensive positions to fill through free agency. So if one of those premier big WRs like Kelvin Benjamin or Allen Robinson is there at #34, I would DEFINITELY still consider drafting one of those guys at that position. Then all of that money you just saved by not having to pursue a Vincent Jackson or Santonio Holmes or whoever two years from now in free agency you can use to address safety.

Anyway, I'm not advocating that we SHOULD do that, but I don't think its crazy by any stretch of the imagination. If we're always just looking at needs and never thinking long term, then we're just chasing our tail and missing opportunities to be great.

[riggofan]

Wow. Rich Tandler:

According to multiple reports, the Redskins intend to make a serious bid to lock up Jackson’s services tomorrow, and Jackson is excited about the prospect of joining the Redskins.

[Kilmer72]

Not sure how anyone can really think this is a good idea. He just had a career season and the Eagles cut him. His former coach, who needs a wide receiver, isn't in on the bidding. Add in his reputation as a diva, questionable work ethic, and possible off-field issues, and this has Dan Snyder written all over it. And he supposedly threw up a gang sign in a game against the Redskins last season:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/28/report-of-potential-gang-ties-emerged-not-long-before-eagles-cut-desean-jackson/

I can't understand why people are so eager to have such a strong opinion on something in the absence of facts as it relates to the gang ties... I keep reading the words supposedly, and allegedly... The Eagles have yet to even say that was why the released him. I agree in regards to the other character traits you mentioned and that COULD very well be an issue.

Gang signs....







OMG HIS FINGER IS CROOKED!!!!!! Must be a gang sign. Show me a NFL player that doesn't have some crooked fingers... LOL If anyone has researched where his neighborhood and their unique gang signs and have PROVEN this to be it, I'll gladly STFU. Until then, this is just people fishing for sh** to cry about and label him as a "thug gang member".

I'm entertaining the idea of him being here because I think for myself. And he's done nothing wrong thus far other than act like a whiny little b***. I believe the Eagles got tired of his ways and used this ALLEGATION as an out.

lol.... John Lennon with a peace sign? LMAO!!!!

[Chris Luva Luva]

Kiler, John was a Blood... You didn't know this?! lolol.

[Kilmer72]

Wow. Rich Tandler:

According to multiple reports, the Redskins intend to make a serious bid to lock up Jackson’s services tomorrow, and Jackson is excited about the prospect of joining the Redskins.

Well I'll be shocked if it happens and Canes is sort of right. This guy will be a threat on the field. Let us hope he isn't off the field and the locker room isn't envious or in shambles because of the regressing approach to FA. I like the idea of a real play maker on offense but I have reservations of the total outcome.

[Kilmer72]

Kiler, John was a Blood... You didn't know this?! lolol.

Actually no I didn't know he was a gangster. If true that just ruins everything.

There goes all the peace and love I grew up with. I always figured him to be a peaceful hippie not a gangster. haha

[DarthMonk]

DeSean Jackson pursuit coming into focus

Larry Hartstein
CBSSports.com
March 30, 2014 12:50 PM
Amazing how things can change in a week.

The Eagles cut ties with DeSean Jackson, as expected. But the apparent frontrunners for his services aren't who we thought they were, to paraphrase Dennis Green. Reports indicate a slew of teams are interested, led by the Redskins, Raiders and Bills.

Last year's No. 10 Fantasy receiver visits Washington first, and owner Daniel Snyder might try to end the chase as soon as Monday. The Redskins have the cap room. They'd give Jackson a chance to stick it to Philly twice a season.

Jackson's arrival would enhance Robert Griffin III's chances of a bounceback season. He'd alleviate coverage on Pierre Garcon and push Andre Roberts into his ideal role as a No. 3 receiver.