Seattle Seahawks Rumors: Why DeSean Jackson Isn’t Coming
By Todd Pheifer
Dec 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) returns a punt against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson at wide receiver. Marshawn Lynch in the backfield. Russell Wilson under center. Pretty exciting offensive possibilities for the Seattle Seahawks.
Not going to happen.
The Seahawks are reportedly interested in DeSean Jackson, according to news reports. That may get fans excited, but it shouldn’t. Teams are always “interested.” Interested and willing to spend money can be two very different things.
There are obviously concerns about Jackson’s off-the-field involvements and affiliations, but that may not be what prevents him from coming to Seattle. Pete Carroll is the type of guy that may be confident that he could mentor a guy like Jackson.
What will prevent Jackson from coming to Seattle will be the money, or lack thereof. For the same reason that Golden Tate went to the Detroit Lions and Jared Allen went to the Chicago Bears, DeSean Jackson will go to a team willing to step up and scratch out a big check.
Seattle might make an offer, but it will be a “come and win a ring” contract. In other words, it will be lower than another franchise that is looking to make a splash and put some fans in the seats.
The off-the-field questions will scare some teams away, but it is hard to ignore talent. Time and again we have seen players get jobs even with questionable histories.
DeSean Jackson will get an NFL job, and it may be fairly soon. It just probably won’t be with the Seattle Seahawks.
Then again, the ‘Hawks have surprised us in the past.