As the old saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm”. And the Washington Redskins were that bird, after being the first and only team that met with DeSean Jackson, they were able to lock him down to a three-year deal to play along side Pierre Garcon as another weapon for the young recovering QB, Robert Griffin III.
Winners
DeSean Jackson: He’s a huge winner in all of this because even after being cut by the Eagles and having his reputation questioned with many accusations including possible gang ties, he was still able to sign with a team and make reportedly close to the same amount he was going to make in Philly. On top of that he will have a chance at vengeance twice next season since he stays in the same division as the Eagles. In addition he will play with RG3 who is a quality QB and he’ll be coached under Jay Gruden who is a pass first offensive mastermind that will surely target him early and often.
Washington Redskins/ RG3/ Jay Gruden: All of these names listed are all winners for the same reason; they get the services of DeSean Jackson to help them win football games. DeSean Jackson didn’t kill anyone and was most likely cut just because Chip Kelly didn’t like him. Because of that now the Washington Redskins get a pro-bowler on their team, RG3 gets another weapon so he doesn’t have to just target Pierre Garcon a million times, and Jay Gruden will have an easier time game planning as a first year coach with the versatile WR.
Fantasy Value: Dynasty owners who have DeSean Jackson on their roster were dreading the idea of him playing for the Raiders or Jets. His value would have plummeted if that were the case. Instead, he signed with the Redskins were he’ll get to play with a more than competent QB and under a great offensive mind in Jay Gruden. His stats may recede a bit since he won’t be playing under Chip Kelly’s fast paced offensive style but I still expect great numbers out of Jackson. There is also a boost for Robert Griffin III’s value since now he has another threat that will add value every time Jackson can run one of those passes in for a touchdown. Finally you would think that Jackson arriving would kill Garcon’s value but on the contrary Garcon may become more consistent since he won’t be seeing double coverage with Jackson spreading the field. So fewer targets but more quality, which is usually, better.
Losers
Philadelphia Eagles: They had a stud and they let him fly away to a division rival. Nowadays coaches get a little power crazy and in this case it cost the Eagles a Pro Bowl caliber player and a fan favorite who put people in their seats. Well, at least the Philadelphia Eagles video editing staff has a new project to make Jackson’s “welcome home” video montage.
Every other team in need of a WR: The Raiders, Panthers, Jets, Bills, 49ers, well you get the point. A lot of teams had the opportunity to acquire a stud receiver and they didn’t. Sometimes it’s bad luck and in other cases you’re the Oakland Raiders but in the end these teams will wonder what could have been.