Eagles Will Franchise WR DeSean Jackson

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Eagles will use their franchise tag on WR DeSean Jackson, according to team sources.

“They will not let their Pro Bowl receiver – whose contract is set to expire – walk without getting something in return, writes McLane.

The report mentions that tagging Jackson would essentially leave them with three options: Use their franchise tag and pay him $9.5 million, tag him and trade him, or use the tag and then sign him to a long-term deal. McLane lists the Patriots, Ravens and the 49ers as speculative options.

We posted an article a few days ago that mentioned that the Cleveland Browns could be a potential trade partner considering that they’re likely to add a veteran receiver and their GM was with the Eagles when they drafted him.

While these ideas seem interesting, it’s hard to say what NFL teams will be willing to give up in return for Jackson. Philadelphia has done a great job a maximizing their value in trades but trading Jackson could prove to be much more difficult.