DeSean Jackson, Oakland Raiders have mutual interest
DeSean Jackson (10) against the Minnesota Vikings. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
DeSean Jackson reportedly has nine suitors right now following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday, and that list could grow in the coming days. One of the teams that has interest in him is the Oakland Raiders, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports, via NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, that the interest is mutual.
Per Rapoport, Jackson told the Raiders before he was released that he has interest in them, and it will be interesting to see if the Cal product lands back in the Bay Area. Rapoport adds that the Raiders have, unsurprisingly, been researching Jackson over the past few weeks in an effort to ascertain the truth, especially when it comes to the potential distractions around him that could affect the organization negatively.
The Kansas City Chiefs look like the most likely landing spot due to Jackson’s ties to head coach Andy Reid, and the team’s huge need for a playmaker, No. 1 wide receiver. But the AFC West rival Raiders have more cap space, and they are also on the lookout for playmakers. While I think they need to go for somebody who can be more of a safety valve, Jackson is such a great player that they have to take a strong look at him if he comes at the right price and won’t be a major distraction. The latter caveat is the most important one right now for the Raiders, and they already have deep threats on their roster. Jackson proved that he is more than just a deep threat last season, but the Raiders could still pass over Jackson and hope that nobody snatches Sammy Watkins before the fifth pick. While Jackson has had NFL success, Watkins could be the better option for the Raiders due to cost, upside, and his ability to win with ease on short and intermediate routes.