Just a day after Eagles general manager Howie Roseman opined that the future was bright for DeSean Jackson, ESPN reported Friday that the Eagles would consider a trade for the wide receiver, who will be franchised by the team before the start of free agency. Jackson had a tumultuous 2011, holding out of camp and getting benched because of issues related to his contract. He finished with 58 catches for 961 yards with four touchdowns. By signing the franchise tag tender, he'll be guaranteed a 2012 salary of just over $9 million and could negotiate a long-term deal for more with a team interested in signing him. Source: CBS Sports
A) Screw ESPN B) FREAK ESPN C) They don't have any actual source for this story. It's something that has been voiced by many as what the team should do. I honestly doubt that anyone in the Front Office say "Oh yes, let's just trade him now. ALERT THE MEDIA!!" Remember that time that they reported Lebron was going to be a Knick? Yeah. Screw ESPN. But the Eagles would be stupid NOT to at least consider it. I would like to keep him as long as he's not a little snitch about this stuff. Dude CAN be dangerous but he needs his head in the game.
They were complaining about this on NFL radio yesterday. With all the media outlets and instant coverage, people just ask a question and if any team representative doesn't flatly deny it in unequivocal terms, it becomes a story. Are you interested in trading DeSean Jackson? Are you looking at signing Peyton Manning if/when the Colts release him? Are you looking to trade up/trade back in the draft? etc. etc. etc.
