DeSean Jackson in Washington: Bruce Allen, Redskins Get It Done

In the wee hours of this morning, the Washington Redskins turned what had been a relatively quiet off-season into a ear-splitting free agency period by signing three-time Pro Bowler and division rival wide out DeSean Jackson to a three-year, $16 million guaranteed deal. Jackson will make $8 million this season. The front office has just taken this team from one that could be a contender for the post-season to one that will be a contender for the post-season.

When Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday, there was speculation that it was because he was associated with gang members and, more specifically, some who had been charged and/or convicted of murder.  While this has been neither confirmed nor denied by Eagles’ head coach Chip Kelly and he has not said anything derogatory about Jackson since the release, there is definitely some desire for pay-back in the wide out’s signing with Washington. An associate of Jackson’s told Sports Journey’s Lake Lewis, Jr. before the deal had been confirmed yesterday that Jackson absolutely wanted to sign here and definitely wanted to play against his old team twice a year.

It took a couple of days to get things ironed out but Washington general manager Bruce Allen is apparently a financial genius by getting this signing done. The desire for a lucrative contract is something that the former Eagle has made quite obvious and, while the entire structure of his contract not yet public, it was well-known that the Redskins did not have much cap space to work with (approximately $6 million before Jackson was signed). Allen and Jackson’s camp came up with a reasonable agreement which made the latter happy and yet will not render Washington penniless for the rest of the season.

It was interesting to watch the news cycle yesterday as this story broke. Once Jackson arrived in town, the Washington area was on “DJax Watch” and Twitter was the place to be for information. At one point, the aforementioned Lewis and Dave Owens of CBS Sports in Washington, D.C. were following the situation closely and were an important source of information for Redskins fans.

myself and @LakeLewis both told #DJaxInDC might be staying in town til maybe Thursday while things get worked out @wusa9 #Redskins #httr

— David Owens (@DaveOwensWUSA) April 1, 2014

During the day, the general consensus was created that, if Jackson left Ashburn without having signed a contract, Washington had lost out on closing the deal.  The word then got out around mid-day that Jackson had left Redskins Park and Redskins Nation went a little crazy. Rumors abounded that the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns were both courting Jackson even as he was in meetings and negotiations with the Redskins. The truth about whether or not that was true will surface eventually. It may have been an inspired public relations move (by any of the teams) or it might have been true. But Lewis and Owens knew that the wide out wanted to be here and Jackson leaving the park for a little while in the afternoon ended up being of no consequence. The Washington Redskins — both Allen, head coach Jay Gruden and the PR group — did a masterful job of seeing who they wanted and getting him signed, sealed and delivered.

@DaveOwensWUSA @DiChesebrough great work, we stood strong after an exhausting day. I’m finally going to bed. #DJaxInDC @sportsjourney

— Lake Lewis Jr (@LakeLewis) April 2, 2014

DeSean Jackson had a good 2013 season in Philly and it is still a mystery exactly why he was released. He started all 16 games last season and caught 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns. This man will immediately impact and improve the Redskins’ offense. With quarterback Robert Griffin, III, 2013-leading-receiver Pierre Garçon (113 receptions for 1,346 yards – eighth in the NFL), pro bowl running back Alfred Morris and up-and-coming tight end Jordan Reed also involved in moving the chains, Washington cannot be ignored.

To add to the good moves the Redskins’ personnel people have made this offseason, the team also just signed former Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety Ryan Clark. This is a great move not only because he is a talented veteran player but also because he has a special place in the heart of Redskins’ fans. Clark played in Washington in 2004 and 2005, opposite the beloved late safety Sean Taylor. A great influence on Taylor, Clark was unceremoniously let go after Taylor’s rookie season and fans were not happy about it. Nor was Taylor. Since then, the Redskins have struggled at the position and it is hoped that his return will lend some stability to a real problem area for the team.

Hail.