The Green Bay Packers might have been one of the finalists to sign Malik Jackson, but the former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman has picked a different path.
Josina Anderson of ESPN reports Jackson, who was released by the Jaguars last week, will sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the deal is worth $10 million per year over three years.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported earlier Monday that the Packers were one of the two “primary options” for Jackson, an experienced and productive interior rusher. The Eagles were the other team.
The Jaguars released Jackson in a cost-cutting move last Friday. He produced 18 sacks, eight pass breakups and four forced fumbles over three seasons in Jacksonville.
The 6-5, 290-pound lineman turned 29 years old in January.
Jackson could have provided the Packers defense with another talented rusher for the interior of the defensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson tallied 171 pressures over the last three seasons.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine needs more edge rushers, but his scheme has generally favored loading up on players capable of causing disruption from the inside.
“That’s where it starts. It starts up front. People talk about the exterior pass rush, I think the interior pass rush is as important or maybe potentially more important,” Pettine said in January of 2018. “If you can be dominant inside, I think that has a ripple effect throughout your defense.”
Jackson, a Pro Bowler in 2017, will join Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham along the Eagles defensive line.
