DeSean Jackson Released by Philadelphia Eagles, Signed by Washington Redskins 3-Year / $24 Million

DeSean Jackson, Redskins agree to three-year, $24M contract

DeSean Jackson is staying in the NFC East, where Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III's new deep-threat target can begin making the Philadelphia Eagles pay for kicking him to the curb.

Just four days after his stunning release from Philadelphia, one of the league's most dangerous wideouts landed a few hours south on the I-95 corridor.

Jackson signed a three-year deal worth $24 million, including $16 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the pact told USA TODAY Sports.
That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the club has yet to announce the deal.

IT'S OFFICIAL: 3-time Pro Bowl WR DeSean Jackson (@DeseanJackson10) signs his contract at #Redskins Park pic.twitter.com/LB42RM2vSN
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) April 2, 2014

Jackson's $8 million average per year is higher than the $7.5 million average that Eric Decker received in his five-year, $36.25 million deal with the New York Jets.

Jackson, 27, was cut despite posting career highs with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns last season in coach Chip Kelly's high-revving offense. The three-time Pro Bowler has averaged 17.2 yards per reception during his six-season career. The Eagles took a serious salary-cap hit for releasing Jackson, who was due to earn $10.5 million in base salary and will count $6.25 million against Philadelphia's salary cap in 2014. He signed a five-year, $51 million contract in 2012.

"He's the right kind of guy we need in our locker room. Fierce competitor and player, but great guy and humble guy that wants nothing more then to show people the real him,'' Redskins veteran cornerback DeAngelo Hall texted USA TODAY Sports. "And there's no better place then in the nation's Capitol.''

First-year Redskins coach Jay Gruden now has the game-breaking vertical threat he had the past four seasons as Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator in big-play receiver A.J. Green.

Jackson figures to help RG3 regain his 2012 offensive rookie of the year form when he led the Redskins to the division title prior to suffering a major knee injury in that season's playoffs. Jackson will ease double team pressure on Pierre Garcon, who set a single-season franchise record with 113 receptions for 1,346 last season for the 3-13 Redskins.

Jackson was dogged by questions about his work ethic and was not considered a Kelly guy following a sideline blowup with his former receivers coach, Bob Bicknell, after quarterback Nick Foles threw an interception in Philadelphia's 48-30 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last December.

Former Eagles coach Andy Reid suspended Jackson for one game after he missed a 2011 team meeting.

Last Friday, NJ.com released a report suggesting Jackson was affiliated with a California gang, an allegation Jackson and his camp vehemently denied.

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera was among the first to express interest in Jackson when contacted by USA TODAY Sports on Friday after the receiver's release.

"I just got word, and this is surprising to hear. He's an explosive player who has great vertical speed and is strong going to the ball," said Rivera.

"That is something that has to be discussed."

It appears Jackson was successful in his bid to minimize any concerns the Redskins might have. He told news reporters at Dulles Airport (near the Redskins' Ashburn, Va., headquarters) on Monday, "No comment," when asked about gang ties.

The Los Angeles Police Department said Saturday that Jackson is not linked to any gang activity.

"I have no concerns about him going to any team, whether it's a West Coast team or East Coast team, because he's going to do what he's done with the Philadelphia Eagles – he's going to play hard, he's going to work hard, and he's going to give 110%. And that's who DeSean is," Jackson's spokeswoman, Denise White, told USA TODAY Sports, adding that said six clubs had inquired about Jackson within 30 minutes of his release.

"He's gonna land somewhere good."

Jackson, who grew up in south central Los Angeles, issued a statement defending his character following his release that read in part: "I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible.

"I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions.

"These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."