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Grading the Malik Jackson signing for the Philadelphia Eagles

By Cody Williams

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Malik Jackson #90 of the Jacksonville Jaguars mocks combing his hair to celebrate a tackle on Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half on November 27, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Jacksonville 28-21. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 27: Malik Jackson #90 of the Jacksonville Jaguars mocks combing his hair to celebrate a tackle on Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half on November 27, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Jacksonville 28-21. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the legal tampering period of NFL free agency by agreeing to sign Malik Jackson, but is it a good deal for Philly?

When the Philadelphia Eagles went on their underdog run to win Super Bowl LII, their defensive line was as lethal as they come. Though they failed to replicate the same success in the 2018 season, the defensive line still remained a strength at its best, but was set to look much different entering the 2019 season. However, general manager Howie Roseman made an early effort in NFL free agency to try and somehow make the unit even better.

Set to lose both Timmy Jernigan and Haloti Ngata on the open market, the Eagles helped kick off the legal tampering period by agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Malik Jackson, as first reported by ESPN’s Josina Anderson. Adam Schefter added that Jackson, who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, will sign a three-year, $30 million contract with Philadelphia.

Though the Eagles still need some more depth up front, this was a splash signing right out of the gate at a position of need for Philly. So, is it an A-grade signing for the City of Brotherly Love?

A. . DT. Philadelphia Eagles. MALIK JACKSON

How could it not be a deal that receivers top marks? While Jackson may have been overpaid by Jacksonville when they pulled him away from the Denver Broncos, he still proved to be a solid player up front on another vaunted defensive line. Now the Eagles can protect him similarly with their front-four while getting him on a cheaper deal than what the Jags signed him to.

Pairing Jackson and Fletcher Cox at defensive tackle immediately gives Philadelphia perhaps the most dangerous duo inside in the entire league. Again, Jackson may not be the every-play game-changer like Cox or Aaron Donald are, but he’s a well-above-average contributor on any defensive line. So being able to lock him up for just $10 million per year is a great move for this team.

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This certainly wasn’t the only move that the Eagles made early in the legal tampering period. And while DeSean Jackson returning home may be a better storyline, the other Jackson addition could be far more impactful as Roseman and Co. look to bring another Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia.

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