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Premium – What’s that famous quote – “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it?”
The Jets are reportedly interested in acquiring Eagles WR DeSean Jackson.
No two people are the same, but this situation does conjure up memories of the Santonio Holmes trade. The Steelers were fed up with his act, and shipped him to the Jets for a fifth round pick.
I asked somebody who has been around the Eagles scene a long-time, why Philly is reportedly looking to trade Jackson.
“Attitude and off-field-money distractions,” said the Philly source. “He’s basically broke and wants more guaranteed money and they don’t want headache anymore.”
Reportedly, his former agent Drew Rosenhaus is suing him for money owed.
In 2011, Jackson had a rough situations from an attitude standpoint. He was deactivated for a November game against Arizona for missing a special teams meeting. After a 50-yard reception against the Giants, he flipped the ball at Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, drawing a penalty, and $10,000 fine.
So in some ways, if the Jets acquire Jackson, they could be going down a similar path as they did in 2010, when they acquired Holmes.
But if might be worth the risk if they keep him under a one-year deal. Perhaps, like Holmes in 2010, he will be on his best behavior, angling for a new deal.
So if they do get him, and he behaves, what will they be getting?
“DeSean stretches the field and has really good football instincts,” said the Philly source. “He somehow comes up with his share of 50-50 balls (jump balls with defensive backs), which is incredible considering his size. He’s obviously a threat to score from anywhere on the field whenever he gets the ball.”
Jackson is also a very good punt returner, something else the Jets need.
And another factor that can help the Jets keep Jackson on the straight-and-narrow.
“Jackson really admires Vick like an older brother,” said the source.
So while the Jets might end up repeating history, they need to win this year (after three years out of the playoffs), and Jackson can help them do that.
And if he’s on a one-year deal, maybe the risk isn’t that high.
Some people in the media clearly want the NFL to go after Woody Johnson on tampering charges for expressing interest in Jackson at the NFL Owner’s Meeting.
“We’re looking at a number of players, including DeSean. He’s a very good player and we’re looking at a number of them,” Johnson said. “Trade’s not our primary operating motif right now. We’re trying to go through the draft. Going through the draft is way to build a successful team long term.
“We’re always interested in talent. If it’s somebody that fits into our locker room and understands how to fit into our culture and has a price that we can afford is appropriate.”
Keep in mind when Johnson commented on not wanting to give up draft picks, this was before the Jets were awarded four extra picks through the league’s compensatory formula.
So with 12 picks, they certainly can afford to trade one or two.
As for tampering charges, it’s not going to happen.
March 24, 2014
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