The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver roster is crowded, but not too crowded. After signing both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, rumors surfaced that DeSean Jackson could be on the outs sooner rather than later. Easily their best offensive producer, the Eagles were quick to deny any idea they were actively shopping the wide receiver. However, they are picking up the phones.
According to Derrick Gunn of CSNPhilly.com, the Eagles are not attempting to trade Jackson in the near future, but they have answered the phones a few times for interested teams. Gunn reports that several teams have called the Eagles to determine the asking price of the receiver, but nothing more than that. Gunn predicts Philadelphia wants at least a third-round draft pick for Jackson, if not more. Any team interested would also have to pay him his $10.5 million base salary next season.
Gunn writes the New England Patriots were reportedly one of the teams that called about Jackson, a report that was quickly shot down. When it was reported the Patriots had called Philadelphia, sources were quick to say New England was considering a player swap with Danny Amendola. After re-signing Julian Edelman and bringing on Brandon LaFell, Amendola's future with the Patriots appears over. Could the two teams just swap wide receivers?
Christopher Price of WEEI.com denies that idea, calling that potential deal laughable. The scenario could be trading Amendola and a draft pick for Jackson, something the Eagles might like, but the Patriots would never do. Amendola was useless last season, but giving up on him after a year, plus sacrificing a draft pick is simply unrealistic.
Gunn also reports the San Francisco 49ers have inquired about a Jackson trade. The team has Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin and are in the market to add a third man to the rotation. The 49ers have brought in players like Hakeem Nicks, Steve Smith and Kenny Britt, but have not signed anyone. They were interested in Edelman before he re-signed to the Patriots.
According to Albert Breer of NFL.com, the 49ers will not make a trade for Jackson whether they called Philadelphia or not. If the team does not get someone in free agency, they will draft a rookie to help round out their corps.
The only team that could realistically make a deal is the Carolina Panthers. The team has lost their two top receivers and have just Greg Olsen returning. If there is a team that needs Jackson, it is Carolina. Will they be willing to give up a lot for an elite player? That remains to be seen.