Sign In Using Facebook  |  Sign In  |  Sign Up

DeSean Jackson Finally Reports to Eagles Training Camp

Bob Whalon Written by Bob Whalon, Monday August 08 2011
Text Size - A +

DeSean Jackson ended his 11-day holdout and reported to the Philadelphia Eagles' training camp at Lehigh University on Monday.  The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver passed his physical in the morning and was out on the practice field with his teammates for the afternoon walkthrough.

"The relationship that I have with the team and the front office, I think everything will work out," Jackson said.  "I'm just going to keep everything positive.  I don't want to turn it into anything negative.  I love Philadelphia.  I love the fans here.  Coming back out here onto the field, the fans showed me a lot of love and stuff.  I just want to keep that positive thing going."

Jackson had been holding out because he wants the Eagles to sign him to a lucrative long-term contract extension.  He is entering the last year of his four-year rookie contract that will only pay him $565,000 this season.  

Nobody would dispute the notion that Jackson is underpaid.  He has been one of the most explosive players in the NFL in the last three seasons.  Since 2008, no players have more total touchdowns (rushing, receiving, return TD) of 50-plus yards than Jackson's 13 during that span.

Last season Jackson caught 47 passes for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns.  His 22.5 yards-per-catch average was the best in the NFL.  He also averaged 11.6 yards on 20 punt returns, including a 65-yarder for a TD on the last play of a victory over the rival New York Giants.

"I've always wanted to be an Eagle," Jackson said.  I'm here, I'm ready to move forward, I'm ready to play football, I'm ready to help win games."

According to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jackson had to report by Tuesday or he would have lost a year of service time towards free agency.  That would have meant that he would not become a free agent after the 2011 season.

The team said that it has a policy of not negotiating with players who are holding out.  T.O. knows that all too well.  Now that he is back in camp the team and Jackson's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, can begin discussion on an extension.

 


Tags:  



Recent Eagles Articles






Leave a comment

Name *
Email *
Website

Create date
— :

Article

Sport

City

Team

Photo

X

Not So Fast! To publish your comment, you have to login

Not Registered? Register now as it only take 20 seconds!



Click here to browse




0 comments