Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson is signed through the 2016 NFL season. But because of his $9.25 million salary cap hit in 2016, his injury woes (missed 10 games this past year), and his less than enthusiastic on-field blocking, some have speculated that the Redskins could part ways with him this offseason in order to save roughly $8 million.
Would that move make sense?
Between Jackson and Pierre Garcon, the Redskins have a hefty $19.45 million salary cap hit for their starting wide receivers. That's a lot of money tied up into one position, and Jackson will turn 30 in December. It's understandable that general manager Scot McCloughan would at least think about making such a move.
But the reality is that Washington does not have a viable replacement on the roster or an easy way to find one in free agency and the draft. No one they bring in is going to bring what Jackson has - elite speed that changes the opposing defenses must account for. ESPN's John Keim believes this is more than enough to keep him in D.C. next year.
"Again, I can't see them cutting Jackson - there's no doubt they like him," Keim wrote. "It's easy to see why: He's one of the best long-ball receivers in the NFL because of his speed and ability to track the ball. There's no reason to get rid of Jackson or Garcon (have yet to be told they would want to do so anyway) because it would then weaken their offense. A big part of the Redskins' success, and that of quarterback Kirk Cousins, was the talent in the passing game. The Redskins could use more help here, but if they for some reason got rid of either player they'd have to pay big money for a replacement (none exist on the roster). So stick with the guy you already know. There are a lot of things Jackson does not do: spring workouts, blocking, etc. But that speed adds a dimension to the Redskins' offense that they would sorely miss. Rashad Ross has speed; he does not have Jackson's game. The Redskins were able to build their passing attack at times around the attention focused on Jackson and tight end Jordan Reed. If they believe Jackson's game will remain near this same level for the next two or three years, perhaps they'd try to extend his deal."
In six games this past season, Jackson caught 30 passes for 528 yards (17.6 average) and four touchdowns. He clearly has a lot left in the tank and, if they don't want to, the Redskins won't have to deal with his antics after next season. There's nothing to gain by cutting Jackson this offseason.
