With the Philadelphia Eagles season over following a loss to the New Orleans Saints and already wide receiver DeSean Jackson is thinking about a pay raise. Just two years removed from signing a long-term contract extension, Jackson is requesting a new deal because he thinks he deserves it.
Jackson has three years remaining on his five-year deal signed back in 2010. He is set to make $10.5 million in 2014 after making $7 million this year plus some performance bonus cash. Jackson's total deal is worth $50 million, including a $10 million signing bonus and yet, Jackson is not satisfied.
"I definitely feel it's something deserving," Jackson said, via CSNPhilly.com. "We'll see how that plays out, and hopefully we can work things out smoothly and not have to worry about anything out of the ordinary. But I definitely feel like it's deserving. I'm proven in this league, and after this past year, went out there, no distractions, and just really put it all in for my team and went out there and had a lot of success, so we'll see how it goes."
Jackson did have a career-high year after putting up 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns off 82 catches. He finished the regular season ranking ninth in the NFL in both yards and yards after the catch. He is currently the eighth-richest receiver, sitting just behind Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall and Vincent Jackson. While he feels his salary is good, he is hopeful his agent can work out a better extension.
"Honestly, I feel very confident that my agent will work something out," Jackson said. "I feel like I have a great agent, that's what he's for, that's what his job is, all I have to really worry about is staying out of trouble and keeping my nose clean and doing the things I need to do, working on my craft and playing football. I think this year was a big statement for my team and for myself and the things we were able to accomplish and do. I definitely feel it's deserving. Hopefully we can get it worked out and see how it goes."
General manager Howie Roseman did not offer up any comments regarding Jackson's request for a new contract. The Eagles have plenty more to worry about over offering the wide receiver yet another extension. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin is set to become a free agent. He tore his ACL at the start of the season and is hopeful the Eagles give him a new deal.
"My heart is in Philadelphia," Maclin said. "I would like to stay if I can. We've had talks about the future plans, and stuff like that. I have an idea of what they are thinking."
Receiver Riley Cooper is also due to become a free agent after a strong 2013 season where he showed plenty of chemistry with Nick Foles. Also, quarterback Michael Vick's contract is up which is another issue in itself.