Allow me to pretend to be a real sports columnist here for a second...
The Washington Redskins have every reason to avoid the suddenly available DeSean Jackson like the plague. None of those reasons really have anything to do with the alleged rumors of the 6 degrees of separation Jackson has with LA area gang members. What, you think DeSean Jackson is the 1st athlete who grew up with somebody that turned into someone who runs with such crowds? You think every high profile athlete who knows someone like that is going to turn into Aaron Hernandez?
Let's be honest here...that is the fear among NFL executives. But those stories aren't even near the top of the list of reasons a giant stay away sign should be posted next to Jackson for all burgandy and gold decision-makers. Jackson is insanely talented, but he's also shown himself to be a world class knucklehead. Everyone remembers DeSean's rookie season where he was so eager to celebrate a would-be touchdown that he actually dropped the ball about 3 yards prior to the end zone. Everyone also remembers plays and entire games where Jackson appeared to dog it when things weren't going well for him and his team (especially towards the end of that Dream Team season). Attitude and work ethic problems have also followed Jackson since his college days, and his onfield antics and yapping can be a little bit too much to take at times.
Aside from all that, it would be a typical Redskins move to throw a ton of cash at a big, splashy free agent who would come with some kind of red flag...especially when the Redskins have limited salary cap space, have no 1st round draft pick this year, and have plenty of other holes to fill...and especially when they already signed a free agent speedster receiver this offseason in Andre Roberts.
And having said all that, Washington should move heaven and earth to sign Jackson. As my boy and fellow B-Court All-Star, Mac, emailed me almost as soon as news of Jackson's release from Philadelphia broke, go get em...upgrade your squad.
Jackson would come with all kinds of baggage and headache-inducing behavior, but he's the type of game-changing wide receiver that doesn't come around very often. His speed and play-making ability are world class. He would instantly upgrade the Redskins' dreadful return teams. He would scare off opposing defenses from loading up against the run game. He would bump Pierre Garcon to the #2 wideout, a position he is much more suited for. And you would think he would fit in perfectly with RG3's ability to scramble and extend plays.
Yes, it would fly in the face of everything I've been arguing for as of late in terms of how this Washington franchise needs to shift their way of acquiring people. And Jackson's talents still wouldn't solve the Skins' woeful defensive secondary or kickoff coverage teams. But the idea of Jackson lining up wide in a Redskins' jersey is just too good to pass on. Let's make this happen, Dan Snyder...time to bust open the ATM once again.
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