Monday marks the start of the new DeSean Jackson story

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - If logic holds, the really interesting chapter of the DeSean Jackson saga begins Monday when the unhappy wide receiver reports to training camp.

Once he gets here, it can go one of two ways. Jackson can show up physically but continue his protest against the inequities of his contract by sulking, pouting, and being generally disruptive. Or he can join his teammates, commit himself to preparing for what could be a special season, and negotiate reasonably for a better deal.

You may recall that, once upon a time, another Drew Rosenhaus client took the first approach. Terrell Owens' antics resulted in Andy Reid's sending him home from Lehigh. They also led to the idiotic driveway workout/news conference and, eventually, to Rosenhaus' oft-imitated, never-duplicated "Next question" performance, and finally the destruction of an entire season.

Here's a bit of free advice for Jackson: Take the other approach. Not just because it would be better for his teammates or for labor-fatigued fans, but because it will ultimately be better for him.

"We will talk to him about certain situations," veteran receiver Jason Avant said. "We've got to treat grown men like grown men. He's of age. He's going to have to handle his own contract business. He's going to go with the things that he feels strongly about. But as far as affecting his play, going hard, and stuff like that, as far as a teammate? When he comes here, he knows what's tolerable and what's not.

"His play being affected because of contract issues, that's not something that's going to be smiled upon here. When he gets here, he's going to be ready to work regardless of what his contract is. And he knows we expect that of him."

It would be hard to say it any better than that.

Jackson hasn't exactly been a model of maturity and grace during his time with the Eagles. He can make you wince one moment with something he says or does, then take your breath away with a spectacular play a moment later. It was very clear late last season that his contract status was bothering him and, yes, probably affecting his performance.

But there is a significant difference between Owens and Jackson. Jackson is right. Owens was beginning the second year of a seven-year contract that he signed when everyone in the NFL already knew he was a disruptive, immature pain in the neck. He played terrific football in 2004, and he famously played on one leg in the Super Bowl. That's one more leg than he had to stand on in his 2005 job action.

Jackson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, the deal that is essentially dictated to a player based on draft position. And draft position is dictated by the whims of NFL teams. No rational person would argue that Jackson hasn't outplayed that contract. He deserves a large raise and likely would have gotten one already if it weren't for the looming lockout.

The lockout is over. Gone with it is any illusion that self-interest isn't the No. 1 motivation of every owner, every executive, every coach, and every player.

If you harbor even a shadow of a doubt about Jackson's perspective, find Leonard Weaver. The well-liked fullback was trying to come back from a catastrophic injury suffered on an otherwise forgettable play last year. He was summarily fired by the Eagles. His career is almost certainly over.

That will be Jackson. It is inevitable. He probably has one real chance to make the kind of money his talents command in the NFL. Every practice, every collision, and certainly every game is a risk that he will get Weavered before he gets paid.

Since he's been with the Eagles, Jackson has watched the team sign Stacy Andrews to a six-year, $38.9 million contract and throw Kevin Kolb a two-year, $13 million bone. Right tackle Winston Justice got a four-year, $18 million extension and wound up on the bench during a playoff game.

Like Brian Westbrook, Jackson is tough to put a value on. He is smaller and presumably more at-risk for injury. The way he is used by Reid deflates some of his stats. And yet he is, without question, the most valuable non-quarterback on the team. He changes games. He wins games.

Westbrook resorted to holding out of training camp, but twice the Eagles found ways to get contract extensions done with him. They would be fools not to do the same with Jackson, especially with Jeremy Maclin's status uncertain.

A little good faith would help both sides. Jackson can get started by reporting to camp and reminding everyone what that speed and big-play potential add to this team.

And if that doesn't lead to fruitful talks with the Eagles?

Next question.