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DeSean Jackson has reportedly asked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a trade before the NFL's trade deadline on Tuesday, October 30th. Jackson signed with the Bucs last year after spending 3 seasons with the Redskins.
A team making a deal for him would take on the back half of his $11m salary for this year. He’s slated to earn $10m next season. https://t.co/E97gsY7qtd
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 28, 2018
The trade deadline looms on Tuesday, and if DeSean Jackson has his way, he will be heavily involved in it. The veteran Pro Bowl receiver recently requested a trade from the Bucs, sources say, as Jackson hopes to find a team that can better make use of his talents. The team has refused to grant him that request. With a few days to go before the trade deadline, Jackson’s name becomes a fascinating one to watch. Do the Bucs hold firm and keep one of their playmakers in a crucial season for all involved? The belief is they do, but that won’t stop teams from calling.
The Redskins were interested in keeping DeSean Jackson when he hit free agency, but weren't willing to give him the money he was being offered. Jackson signed a 3 year, $33.5 million contract with the Buccaneers. The Redskins gave DJax a 3 year, $24 million deal in 2014 when the Philadelphia Eagles made him a surprise cut.
If the Redskins would be able to pull off a trade to get Jackson back, they would be on the hook for half of his $11 million salary this year, and $10 million next year that is not guaranteed. Washington has between $9.7-10.5 million in cap space available depending on which site is providing the numbers.
The Redskins have multiple issues in the WR group this season, and have been dealing with injuries since the preseason. Second-year receiver Robert Davis suffered a leg injury before the season started that put him on IR. Rookies Cam Sims and Trey Quinn both had high ankle sprains in Week 1 ending their seasons early(Quinn is expected to return from IR soon). Jamison Crowder has missed the last two games and is out again this week with an ankle sprain. Paul Richardson Jr. has been dealing with shoulder and knee injuries most of the season, and is questionable again this week. Josh Doctson has a never-ending heel injury, and his stats are inspiring anyone yet. Maurice Harris missed the first half of the season, and has only recorded three catches in each of the last three games.
Alex Smith had his best year in the league last season, and he got a lot help from WR Tyreek Hill opening up defenses. DeSean Jackson has the ability to take the top off of a defense, which is something the Redskins have been missing recently. Jackson reportedly would love to come back to Washington, and enjoyed working with Jay Gruden.
Is a reunion good for both sides, and at what price?