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Green Bay Packers Should Target DeSean Jackson In 2017 NFL Free Agency

By Evan Massey
Published on: 03:32 PST, Oct 4, 2016

The Green Bay Packers have had one of the NFL’s most feared offenses since Aaron Rodgers took over the starting quarterback job. Unfortunately, they have been a bit out of whack over the last couple of years. No one has pinpointed exactly what the issues are, but some believe that the lack of a serious deep threat has slowed the offense down.

Looking ahead to the 2017 free agency market, there is one player in particular that would be a perfect fit for the Packers.

DeSean Jackson is set to hit the open market next offseason and would be a huge step in the right direction for Green Bay. He would fit perfectly on the outside across from Jordy Nelson and would allow Randall Cobb to become the Packers’ full-time slot receiver. Rodgers hasn’t had the type of speed that Jackson can offer, which could result in the big plays that the Packers were used to seeing.

Throughout the first four games of the 2016 season with the Washington Redskins, Jackson has caught 15 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown. His numbers aren’t among the league leaders, but he hasn’t played alongside a quarterback the caliber of Rodgers either.

At 29-years-old, Jackson is one of the biggest playmaking wide receivers in the NFL. He isn’t going to win jump balls down the field very often, but he can blow past defensive backs. Adding his skill-set alongside what the Packers already have in Nelson and Cobb would be unfair for opposing defenses.

Ted Thompson doesn’t normally pursue high-profile free agents, but Jackson should be considered. Just like the Packers signed Jared Cook to help the offense, they could boost their aerial attack by signing Jackson.

It will be interesting to see what ends up happening next offseason. There are quite a few big names that will hit the free agency market. Green Bay will also have to deal with starting running back Eddie Lacy hitting the free agency market as well and might have to replace him when everything is said and done.

Green Bay is far from the only team that would be a good fit for Jackson. Because of his dynamic skill-set, Jackson could fit in with almost every single offense across the league.

Whether Green Bay will be able to afford the price tag that Jackson will be asking for is another question. Jackson is making a base salary of $3.75 million this year. He will be looking for at the least the same amount if not more moving forward.

Outside of Nelson and Cobb, the Packers have had to mix and match their wide receivers to get the production that they need. Davante Adams has been their No. 3 wide receiver so far this season, with Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers making an impact as well. Only one other receiver, Jared Abbrederis, has caught a pass from Rodgers this season on the wide receiver depth chart.

Needless to say, the Packers cannot afford to waste more years of Rodgers’ career. He is already 32-years-old and will not get any younger over the next few seasons. Green Bay needs to do everything in their power to surround him with the best weapons they can, which is exactly why Jackson would make sense for them.

Expect to see Jackson become a hot commodity when free agency opens up following the season. He is going to be one of the top deep threats in the league for the next three to four years, which should make serious contenders like the Packers strongly consider throwing an offer his way.

Do you think the Green Bay Packers should consider pursuing DeSean Jackson in 2017 NFL free agency? Would he be the missing piece that the Packers have been searching for? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Featured Image by Matt Rourke/AP Images]

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