The DeSean Jackson era appears to be over in Tampa Bay and according to Jenna Laine and Tim McManus of ESPN.com, he’d prefer to return to Philadelphia.
A trade would be preferred for the Bucs, but some teams ESPN has spoken to believe Jackson will be released rather than traded. Jackson is still under contract, and the Bucs have the option of holding on to him for 2019.
The Eagles are expected to have a mutual interest in Jackson, who would provide the deep threat they sorely lacked in 2018 after Mike Wallace broke his leg in Week 2 — against Tampa Bay. However, it’s to be determined whether they would be willing to trade for him or would be interested only if he is released.
The Buccanneers currently sit some $2 million under the cap and would still prefer to keep Gerald McCoy and Kwon Alexander. Jackson has been an Eagles killer since leaving the next, as he has 24 catches for 569 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Eagles were 1-5 in those games as well.
According to Tim McManus, Philadelphia as a destination lines up with what he’d prefer.
Jackson’s desire has been to play for a contender. He wants to play for a coach and with a quarterback who understands the unique needs of a veteran wide receiver in the twilight of his career.
Jackson has one year left on his three-year, $33.5 million contract with the Bucs, and is set to earn $10 million in 2019, with no guaranteed money remaining, meaning the club could choose to cut him.
