NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Washington

Cowboys

• Joel Corry of CBS Sports notes the Cowboys will be forced to top their most recent offer to QB Dak Prescott by a considerable margin now that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes‘ deal is in place.
• Dallas has reportedly offered Prescott $35 million per year over five years with around $106 million guaranteed. 
• The Chiefs signed Mahomes to a record 10-year, $477 million extension on Monday and Corry says there could be two players averaging $40 million per year if the Texans are able to get an agreement in place with Deshaun Watson. 
• ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes the Chiefs’ deal strengthens Dallas’ argument for a longer deal. Length has been the main obstacle in negotations, with Dallas wanting five years and Prescott asking for four.  

Eagles

Eagles WR DeSean Jackson drew some attention this weekend for anti-Semitic content on his social media, including a fake Hitler quote. The Eagles released the following statement:

“We have spoken with DeSean Jackson about his social media post. Regardless of his intentions, the messages he shared were offensive, harmful and absolutely appalling. They have no place in our society, and are not condoned or supported in any way by the organization. We are disappointed and we reiterated to DeSean the importance of not only apologizing, but also using his platform to take action to promote unity, equality, and respect. We are continuing to evaluate the circumstances and will take appropriate action. We take these matters very seriously and are committed to continuing to have productive and meaningful conversations with DeSean, as well as of our players and staff, in order to educate, learn and grow.”

Jackson posted an apology video to his Instagram in response, transcribed by NJ.com’s Mike Kaye. 

“What’s going on? I’ve been getting a lot of backlash and feedback from an Instagram post that I put on my Instagram story. I just want to, first off, extend an apology on behalf of me, and what I stand for, because I’m one that’s fair. I never want to put any race down or any people down, and my post was definitely not intended for anybody of any race to feel any type of way, especially the Jewish community. What I posted, I definitely didn’t mean it to the extent that you guys took it, and I just want to let you guys know I’m very apologetic, and I just want you guys to understand that it was never intended to put any race down or any religion down.

“You know, I post things on my story all the time, and I just probably should have never posted anything that Hitler did because Hitler was a bad person and I know that, and I was just trying to uplift African Americans in slavery, and just enlighten my people, so on behalf of myself, I just want you to know I apologize. I didn’t intend any harm or hatred toward any people. I’m for one, I’m for love and I extend that every day. People that know me know I have no hatred in my heart. I never try to put another religion down to uplift my religion or my race, so from the bottom of my heart, I just want you guys to understand that and it’s coming from me and my feelings, and you know, I hope that everybody respects my platform and my opinions to try to just enlighten my people, and just let everybody know that there’s no hatred involved. So, I hope you guys understand that and realize…”

The video cut off, but Jackson continued in the caption. 

“I post a lot of things that are sent to me. I do not have hatred towards anyone. I really didn’t realize what this passage was saying. Hitler has caused terrible pain to Jewish people like the pain African-Americans have suffered. We should be together fighting anti-Semitism and racism. This was a mistake to post this and I truly apologize for posting it and sorry for any hurt I have caused.”

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out the Eagles’ decision on whether or not to keep Jackson might come down to if his post counts as conduct detrimental to the team and can void his $4.8 million in guarantees.

Washington

• NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes Washington first-round DE Chase Young should get about 40-50 snaps per game as a rotational pass rusher. 
• Casserly projects a heated battle for the starting tight end job between Logan Thomas, Richard Rodgers, Jeremy Sprinkle, Caleb Wilson, Hale Hentges, Marcus Baugh and UDFA Thaddeus Moss. 
• The left side of Washington’s offensive line is also in flux, with Cornelius Lucas, fourth-round rookie Saahdiq Charles and Geron Christian battling for left tackle and Wes Schweitzer and Wes Martin competing to start at left guard. 
• At cornerback, Washington is looking to find three starters out of the bunch of Kyle Fuller, Fabian Moreau, Ronald Darby, Jimmy Moreland and Aaron Colvin. 
• Washington second-year LB Cole Holcomb will be pushed by LB Kevin Pierre-Louis for the starting job.