If Jeremiah Trotter can return to Eagles after unceremoniously leaving for Washington, why can't DeSean Jackson?
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing multiple sources, the Eagles are expected to pursue Jackson, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. Schefter also cites sources stating Jackson and Eagles head coach Doug Pederson are "big admirers of each other" and reports that multiple teams believe Jackson could return to Philadelphia.
The connection is an easy one to make. The Eagles clearly need help at wide receiver, and they specifically need a deep threat. The 30-year-old Jackson fills that void. Earlier this season, Jackson said he'd like to remain with Washington but seemed open to returning to the Eagles.
"I never really had hard feelings toward Philadelphia, besides being released by whoever released me," Jackson said Oct. 12, days before the Eagles' first meeting with Washington. "That's different — but I guess he's not there anymore.
"Being a contract year — next year I'll be a free agent — you never know how things will turn out, but whoever calls, I definitely think I'll be blessed to be wherever it is."
Jackson in 10 games this season has 38 reception for 585 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing his production from 2015, when he had 30 for 528 and four while limited to 10 games because of a hamstring injury. He missed a game this season with a shoulder injury.
Jackson had a great first season in Washington, posting 56 receptions for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns in 2014 after the then-Eagles head coach Chip Kelly cut him.
NFL
The Eagles had tried to trade Jackson, to no avail, and announced the decision to release him the same day an NJ.com report surfaced detailing his connections to gang members in Los Angeles. Kelly maintained that the move was a "football decision" and had nothing to do with any off-field issues, gang-related or otherwise.
Even before the NJ.com report, there was reason to believe Jackson's days with Eagles were numbered. He wasn't known for being the model employee or citizen, and following the 2013 season — and third Pro Bowl selection with the Eagles — he said he deserved a new contract. He was scheduled to make more than $10 million in the third season of a five-year, $48.5 million deal.
Selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 draft, Jackson spent six electrifying seasons in Philadelphia. He posted three 1,000-yard seasons and twice recorded a career-high nine touchdowns. He also returned four punts for touchdowns, the most famous coming against the Giants in 2010 to cap the latest Miracle of the Meadowlands.
Trotter spent his first four seasons with the Eagles, spent two seasons with the Redskins after the Eagles removed the franchise tag in 2002, and returned in 2004.