After spending some time trying to trade DeSean Jackson, the Eagles released him last Friday. A statement followed that the Eagles were concerned with “Jackson’s continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members…”. Because I guess the last seven seasons wasn’t enough time to know what they had. During that span, Jackson’s tenure was both equally sweet and sour. (And you don’t know the sweet unless you’ve tasted the sour. Something-something wax poetic.) There were questions about his work ethic, wanting a new contract after just receiving one, multiple reports of being a clubhouse distraction, and some really horrendous drops. But he also had a collection of highlight catches and some epic games, including his punt return touchdown to beat the Giants back in 2010. He was also coming off a career-best season with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. But it’s clear Chip Kelly wants his guys, and Jackson wasn’t one of them. Riley Cooper is. Which seems like a double-standard, since he’s the Grand Wizard of his gang…
There’s a lot of Aaron Hernandez‘s name being thrown around, which seems silly. One is not the other. And while most of the media expects a hesitant market, the Washington Football Team has already reached out to Jackson and will meet later today. There are other teams interested, including Carolina, which makes sense. You’d think that having at least one receiver before the start of the season would be an idea worth exploring. The fantasy implications are interesting, as signing with the Washington Football Team or Panthers could keep his value stable, but going to the Raiders, Jets, or Bills would be leave us with a collective ‘meh, no thanks’. Come to think of it, going to the Giants makes a lot of sense too, since, you know, they wear blue. HUURRR.
Miscellaneous…
– Knowshon Moreno has officially signed with the Miami Dolphins, which marks the end of both Moreno’s production being augmented by one of the best regular season offenses in modern history and Lamar Miller‘s fantasy relevance. Just kidding! Miller had no fantasy relevance. The big question is: Can Moreno have another 1,000 yard, 60-catch season? Here’s my two-word answer: Ryan Tannehill.
– Reports are surfacing (because they’re submarines I guess?) that Chris Johnson will be released from the Titans at some point this week. Like Jackson, he had been on a trade block for a while, but no one pays eight million for running backs nowadays. There are already rumblings that Johnson could end up in Atlanta, which would help his value. Though, Steven Jackson might serve as a cautionary tale.
– Marice Jones-Drew is now a Raider, and after the last two season’s he’s had in Jacksonville, maybe a change of scenery was needed. Even if that scenery will shoot, stab, and mug you in between the “Welcome to Oakland” sign and the “Thanks for Visiting Oakland” sign. I doubt he’ll ever return to averaging 318 carries (2009-2011) or rushing for 1,606 yards (2011), and the fact that his potential foot and ankle injuries now have to dodge bullets… But if he can have some semblance of health, there are certainly worse RB2’s out there.
– LeGarrette Blount has signed on with the Steelers as depth for Le’Veon Bell. Another 700-ish yard season is possible, and it’ll be interesting to see if Mike Munchak’s zone-blocking scheme can help the run game.
