Another day, another DeSean Jackson trade rumor. Until Chip Kelly comes out and publically denies the Philadelphia Eagles are attempting to trade the wide receiver, speculation will continue to rise over what his future will look like. Multiple NFL sources continue to report that teams are calling the Eagles about Jackson's price tag, but it remains to be seen just how serious Philadelphia is about the move.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the New York Jets are the latest team to inquire about trading for Jackson. The NFL insider reports that right now it appears the Eagles are requesting at least a third-round draft pick for the wide receiver and the Jets are interested.
New York's wide receiver corps was down-right terrible last season. As a result, the Jets signed former Denver Broncos star Eric Decker in the first day of free agency. Decker is expected to be the star of the offense, but if New York does not sign someone else to pair with him, the receiver will be double-teamed every game. Jeremy Kerley simply will not attract that kind of attention. Bringing in Jackson would lift the offense immediately.
The issue could be the contracts. Jackson is owed $10.5 million in 2014. Decker signed a big-money contract. Can the Jets afford to have both and still finalize moves for other positions? According to ProFootballTalk.com, both Jackson and Decker are in the mid-seven-figure tax bracket and that could blow the budget for New York.
Inquiring about a Jackson trade also seems fitting seeing as the Jets are bringing in Michael Vick for a visit on Friday. The team is looking at the veteran quarterback as a possible option as a starter. The New York Daily News reported that the Jets are interested in giving Vick a shot at starting if he signs with the team. The veteran would compete with current starter Geno Smith for the Week 1 spot. Jackson has always been a big fan of Vick and pairing the two up again could work out well for the Patriots.
If the Jets do not make a move for Jackson, the Carolina Panthers could. The team is still looking for a No. 1 receiver for Cam Newton outside of tight end Greg Olsen. If they were already planning on drafting someone, Jackson would be the better pickup. The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers have taken their names out of the running for Jackson, but several teams are still options for a move if the Eagles are serious about making one.
