DeSean Jackson is one of the most dynamic play-making receivers in the NFL. The Eagles top wideout has the type of speed that can change a game in a span of a few seconds. It is that big-play ability that has Jackson headed for a monster pay day this offseason. That is, of course, if he can remain healthy.
Health is always a concern for NFL players before they have been paid. In the blink of an eye, Jackson could go from a chance to make $30 million guaranteed in one summer to only a few million over the course of his career. The question is has it changed the way he plays.
According to Yahoo! Sports via Rotoworld, at least one unnamed Eagles player wonders if Jackson is shying away from contact because he has yet to receive the monster contract he was looking for during the offseason.
“I can’t lie – it is something I’ve thought about,” the player said. “There was a play toward the very end of the game where it looked like he might have short-armed it. And I don’t blame him.”
While Michael Vick is scrambling to get some sympathy from the officials, Jackson may not be leaving it up to them to protect him. Given his concussion history and the fact that he weighs only 175 pounds (on paper), it makes sense. Jackson would not be the first receiver in football to shy way from contact, but he probably has more to lose than anyone else who has made a habit out of it.
