New deal for DeSean unlikely
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
New deal for DeSean unlikely
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
When Tennessee running back Chris Johnson and Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson skipped voluntary workouts with their respective teams this spring there was a tendency to draw parallels between the two Pro Bowlers.
Both had become, in two seasons, offensive stars, and both had become dissatisfied with the contracts they had signed as rookies.
But in reality, their situations are much different.
Johnson publicly stated that he wanted a restructured deal and that he was prepared to hold out of training camp until he was paid a minimum of $30 million guaranteed. Jackson hasn't asked for a new contract and, according to coach Andy Reid, will arrive when Eagles veterans are scheduled to report to camp on July 29.
Johnson also signed a five-year deal when he was selected in the first round of the 2008 as opposed to Jackson who inked a four-year, $3 million deal after he was picked a round later. And for all of Jackson's accomplishments the past two years, his impact wasn't as great as Johnson's, who last season became only the sixth running back to rush for over 2,000 yards.
So when Johnson reportedly agreed to a revised contract Monday there might have been reason to think that a new deal for Jackson was in the offing. That is unlikely, according to a league source familiar with how the Eagles negotiate contracts.
Johnson did not get anywhere near the $30 million he originally stated he wanted. His 2010 salary, consequently, will be bumped up from $500,000 to $2.5 million. But the new deal gives Johnson no additional money and only moves up some of the money he was set to earn in the fifth year of his contract.
Jackson, meanwhile, signed for one less year than Johnson, and thus, does not have a fifth year, the only year in a rookie contract in which a player can make more than the minimum. He may not have the fifth year and he may not have the large signing bonus Johnson got for being a first-round pick, but he does have a shorter path to free agency.
And once you're a good player -- and Jackson obviously is -- the most valuable thing you can have, according to the league source, is a shorter path to free agency. And considering the new rule in the labor agreement which restricts pay increases for players still playing in their rookie contracts to 30 percent, it is within Jackson's best interest to wait another year before asking for a restructured deal.
Jackson is slated to make a little over $800,000 this season.
NEW! Eagles forum 
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Jay, how are the eagles doing D Jax dirty? If they wanted to do that, now would be the prime time to restructure his contract, because of CBA limits in an uncapped year. By waiting, they are opening up themselves to get hammered by DJax when the new CBA is set in place. Think before you post man. Or just do us all a favor and go back to sleep!
The CBA is what is the problem. The Eagles will give Jackson the big contract when the nfl gets a new deal worked out with the cba.— briandawkins20- So if they give him more money and he is less of an impact (quite possible since Kolb and Reid likes short passes), can we get money back. Learn how to negotiate, should have payed attention in that class D.— Rays trash
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- Charles Barkley said he is going to wear a Donovan McNabb jersey to the Linc and throw snow balls at eagles fans.— briandawkins20
- Whose running the Eagles F.O. campaign to make like Banner, Reid, Lurie, and Roseman are as innocent as driven snow? These feel-good stories are nothing but snow jobs. It's a transparent PR campaign to re-cast themselves as, boo-hoo, victims. Pay the star his money, McScrooge— mccloudmj
- This kid will bolt as soon as possible, and dont blame him.— rocky1234
- I would not give him a new contract before the current one ends. Once He gets a new deal his true character will emerge. He will turn into a Diva and become a distraction. Remember the droped ball in the Dallas Game? Just to show-Off? He is also injury prone because of his slight built, and wont have a long career.— josh moneyman
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- The kid only bolts if Kolb isnt a NFL Q.B., If they click, we will know by Nov., The birds sign him big.— bigphillydad
- I've been saying for the past 3 weeks to trade this clown. His "tood" sucks, he's a bonehead, overhyped, has too much to say and doesn't show up when he's needed (Dallas). He won't have ANYONE that can throw the longball to him anymore. When all is said and done, Maclin will be the better WR. We are getting a glimpse into WHY he fell into the 2nd round on draft day. See ya!— somertonspartan
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- Turn into a diva? Not coming to OTAs while partying it up in Miami and LA a few months ago, partying in LA earlier this week, specifically, in a club where there were 3 shootings? He will turn into a cancer in the locker room, and is a diva already.— ifarrell
This ridiculous, how can the phenom D-Jax only make 800k this year? How is D-Jax suppose to support his family with a post tax of 400-500k? McNabb really setup D-Jax for failure by allowing his jealousy to affect D-Jax having his deal restructure. D-Jax should easily be making 15-20 million per year when you factor that he is the most complete WR in the game. D-Jax is money on fade routes, money across the middle, money in the redzone, money on all jump-balls and becomes a human bowling ball after the catch as it takes more than 1 player to take him down. Now that Kevin "Mr. Clutch" Kolb is the leader and true All-American of this team D-Jax will never have to worry about being underpaid. Kolb will force the Eagles to pay a premium dollar for D-Jax as he throws him 10 yard soft and fluffy passes right over the middle which allows D-Jax to use his natural ability of breaking tackles for extra yards. Banner needs to pay the man as he has more natural ability than Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, Miles Austin, Sydney Rice, and Larry FitzGerald.
Once again Philly fans emerge with a lot of hang wringing, leaping to conclusions, and mindless chatter. Typical. And pathetic. If he has as good a connection with Kolb as many anticipate, he will be well compensated by the Birds and catch many passes from Kolb in years to come. BTW when you're only 5'10" and 175 lbs. in the NFL, having a healthy degree of self-confidence is both desirable and essential. Fortunately Reid is savvy enough to see past the flamboyance and observe a very serious football player. Sheesh.
