PHILADELPHIA — He’s back.
The Philadelphia Eagles acquired DeSean Jackson from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, league sources tell ESPN, reuniting the deep-threat receiver with the team that drafted him in 2008.
Sources told ESPN on Sunday that the Bucs were actively shopping Jackson and that Philadelphia was his desired landing spot.
Jackson was slated to make $10 million in 2019 on the final year of his three-year, $33.5 million deal with the Bucs. It is believed the Eagles and Jackson were working on a new contract that was expected to come in at $8 million to $9 million per season, a source close to Jackson said.
Jackson, 32, was a second-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2008 and spent his first six seasons in Philly, where he averaged 59 catches, more than 1,000 yards and five touchdowns per year. He was unceremoniously cut by coach Chip Kelly in March 2014, following a career year in which Jackson posted 1,332 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Nevertheless, Philly was his preferred destination, according to a source.
Trading Jackson frees up $10 million in salary-cap space for the Bucs, who had less than $3.5 million in cap room entering the legal tampering period.
Last month, new Bucs coach Bruce Arians had a long sit-down with Jackson, a conversation Arians said at the NFL scouting combine “couldn’t have gone better.” But general manager Jason Licht said, “I’d say all options are on the table,” when asked about Jackson, while also praising his speed.
Jackson had a direct conversation with the Buccaneers’ front office over the weekend about his status and trade considerations, a source told ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
On Monday, Jackson took to social media to say goodbye to Tampa prior to reports of an agreed upon trade.
Jackson’s desire has been to play for a contender. He wants to play for a coach and with a quarterback who understand the unique needs of a veteran wide receiver in the twilight of his career.
Jenna Laine contributed to this report.