Veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson is now officially a free agent after he cleared waivers Thursday afternoon. Released by the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the week, three-time Pro Bowler was subjected to the waiver wire because his release came after Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
While no team picked him up and the remainder of his $4.5 million salary for the season, there’s going to be a nice amount of interest in the 34-year-old pass-catcher. After all, we’re talking about a five-time 1,000-yard receiver who still has some wheels. Below, we look at four ideal landing spots for DeSean Jackson in free agency.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NFL power rankings
Las Vegas Raiders add speedster
It is somewhat of a surprise that Las Vegas opted against claiming the CAL product on Thursday. The Raiders have just three active receivers following the release of Henry Ruggs after the tragic events surrounding his arrest earlier in the week.
From an on-field standpoint, getting quarterback Derek Carr another speedster to open up the offense must be in the cards here. That’s exactly what Ruggs was. In terms of Jackson, he’s led the NFL in yards per reception three times, the most-recent coming back in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Look for Vegas general manager Mike Mayock to kick the tires on this possibility.
Green Bay Packers take a chance on DeSean Jackson
We previously focused on Green Bay as a potential landing spot for Odell Beckham Jr. and linked the team to multiple receivers leading up to the trade deadline. There’s a good reason for this. The Packers leave a whole lot to be desired behind Davante Adams at wide receiver. Just look at what their complementary receivers have done through eight games this season.
- Randall Cobb: 17 catches, 23 targets, 73.9% catch rate, 194 yards
- Allen Lazard: 15 catches, 21 targets, 71.4% catch rate, 184 yards
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Six catches, 16 targets, 37.5% catch rate, 76 yards
- Amari Rodgers: Three catches, five targets, 60% catch rate, 40 yards
That’s absolutely not going to cut it if Green Bay wants to extend its winning streak to beyond seven games and be a legit Super Bowl contender. With Jackson’s down-field ability, he could open things up big time here.
Related: Sportsnaut’s NFL Playoff and Super Bowl predictions
Indianapolis Colts reunite DeSean Jackson with Carson Wentz
While Jackson did not have a ton of success playing with Wentz in Philadelphia (23 catches in 2019 and 2020), the two seem to be a solid fit. Wentz has turned it around this season, his first with Indianapolis. He’s also known for throwing the deep ball. It could give the Colts an added dimension on offense.
It’s also needed. Michael Pittman Jr. has been great. But the continued injury issues relating to a regressed T.Y. Hilton has to be concerning for Indianapolis. At 3-5 on the season, a shot in the arm might be needed here. Jackson would represent the best option.
New Orleans Saints at wide receiver help
Much like Green Bay, these Saints were linked to Beckham Jr. leading up to the trade deadline. Now that Michael Thomas is going to miss the entire 2021 season, there’s certainly a need in the Bayou for another pass-catcher. This is magnified by the fact that starting quarterback Jameis Winston is also out for the remainder of year.
Right now, running back Alvin Kamara leads the 5-2 Saints in receptions with 28 through seven games. Deonte Harris is second among receivers with 15 catches. After that, TY Montgomery is third with six catches. That’s all sorts of bad. Bringing in a deep threat such as Jackson to help whoever is under center should be in the cards for Nola.
