The DeSean Jackson free agency spree is just beginning after the wide receiver was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. Despite numerous reports of off-the-field issues, there are several teams that are interested in the receiver and a lot of players that want their teams to sign the receiver. As numerous teams begin to do background work on Jackson, the Oakland Raiders are hoping to lead the pack for him.
According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network is reporting the Oakland Raiders are very intrigued by the idea of signing Jackson and could be willing to pay him the salary of his choice. The Raiders are in need of a wide receiver that can lead the offense next season. Matt Schaub will certainly not be able to do the work on his own and Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew do not offer up a lot of confidence. One person hoping Jackson would like to return to his home state to play football is cornerback Charles Woodson who is advocating for Jackson to come to the Raiders.
"Bring him in, I think he would look good in the silver and black," Woodson said, via ESPN.com. "Of course I know the business side of it, but I've watched this guy and what he is, is a dynamic football player. What they're talking [about] as far as off-the-field stuff, I have no clue about. The team would have to do their homework as far as that's concerned. But when you talk about bringing in a guy as talented as he is, and you have that opportunity, I think you take a shot at it."
Right now, Woodson is set to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday, but the team might not be all in on the wide receiver as originally reported. Of course with Dan Snyder anything is possible, but Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reports Washington is only interested in the wide receiver if he is willing to come cheap. Jackson had already been requesting a pay raise from the Eagles, so the idea that he will be willing to take less money is not likely.
Most teams are waiting to find out exactly what Jackson is requesting for a salary before attempting to sign him. If the wide receiver is will to take a smaller deal, the Buffalo Bills could be an option, as would the New York Jets. No one is going to pay him salary he was set to earn with the Eagles.
The Kansas City Chiefs are exiting the Jackson race for those reasons. While Andy Reid was hopeful of getting a reunion with his former receiver, salary cap issues make it impossible. If Jackson wants to play next year, he would be wise to take a one-year deal and rebuild his reputation.
