DeSean Jackson Franchise Tagged By Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday placed the teams franchise tag on wide receiver DeSean Jackson, guaranteeing their star player at least $9.4 million in pay next season if he signs at tender.

Speaking in a public statement Jackson said of the teams decision:

“I am honored that the Philadelphia Eagles organization perceives me as a franchise player. I look forward to getting a long-term deal done soon and being an Eagle for many years to come.”

He also tweeted:

“Tough times don’t last!! But tough people do!”

Last season Jackson led the Eagles with 961 yards receiving and he was scheduled to become a free agent on March 13.

Speaking of his teams decision general manager Howie Roseman said:

“We want DeSean to be an Eagle for the long haul and this is a step in the right direction to accomplish that. DeSean is a talented player and a proven playmaker in this league and we look forward to him continuing his career in Philadelphia. It’s our understanding that he has the same desire. We will continue our efforts on getting a long-term deal done with him.”

The deal is a big move forward for DeSean Jackson who held out at training camp last season, demanding a new deal over the $600,000 he was set to earn. Jackson went on to be deactivated for one game for missing a team meeting.

The Eagles should expect big things for Jackson after he became the first player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as a starter at two positions when he was selected as a wide receiver and punt returner in 2009. From 2009-2010 he pulled off 110 catches for 15 touchdowns and 2,223 yards.

Under the franchise tag DeSean Jackson will earn at least the average of the top five salaries at the position. DeSean said recently that he would be okay with receiving the teams franchise tag.

Do you think the Philadelphia Eagles have made the right decision in tagging DeSean Jackson as a franchise player?