The DeSean Jackson sweepstakes is officially over and the Washington Redskins are the big winners. Jackson took one visit after getting released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday and that was all he needed. The Redskins were aggressive from the start after missing out on free agents like Julian Edelman and Eric Decker and it paid off. Now that Jackson is under contract, several players are praising the move.
While he has not signed his name on the dotted line just yet, ESPN.com reports the contract is worth three years and $24 million, with $16 million in guaranteed cash. Jackson took his excited to Twitter saying, "ITS GOIN DOWN!! BURGUNDY & GOLD." The wide receiver is not the only one excited about the big move by the Redskins. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, DeAngelo Hall and Pierre Garcon all took time to speak out over their next teammate.
Griffin told ESPN's Britt McHenry that Jackson is a "very exciting player. Determined to show he is the best and hungry to win. My kinda guy." He later spoke out on Twitter saying, "Looks like we won that fight from earlier ha ha @AndreRoberts @PierreGarcon & others have a new member of the family." Hall was very persistent in his desire to sign Jackson when it was announced the wide receiver was available. He praises the production and big numbers Jackson would bring to the team. Garcon said the same thing, noting everyone on the roster was a No. 1 guy.
The Eagles did not release Jackson because he was not producing on the field. The wide receiver has averaged 17.2 yards per catch in his career. The Redskins have not had a player do that since Santana Moss in 2005. Jackson is coming off yet another top season, putting up 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns off 82 catches. It tied career-highs for him.
The Redskins offense could now be more deadly than ever. With Griffin dictating the unit, Alfred morris will return to the backfield after having 1,275 rushing yard last season. Jackson will pair with Garcon and Moss on the sides while Jordan Reed aims to capitalize off an impressive rookie season where he had 499 yards.
While there is no doubting Jackson's production on the field, it is off-the-field issues that could still cloud his abilities. The Eagles reportedly released the wide receiver after gang connections were reported. Jackson disputed those claims, noting that he works very hard and is a good person with strong values.
