With the season over for the Philadelphia Eagles the teams star wide receiver DeSean Jackson took some time on Sunday to apologize for a contract dispute with the teams front office that he says became a distraction throughout the season.
Jackson went on to say he would be OK if the team placed the franchise tag on him if they can’t come to an agreement over a long-term contract during the offseason.
“I can admit to certain things affecting me during the season. I just want to apologize,” he told reporters. “I probably could have handled it a little bit different, but now sitting here after the season’s over I can just say I was able to put it behind me and really just fight for my teammates, fight for my organization.”
When specifically asked if playing under a franchise tag would be something he would be okay with he responded, “why wouldn’t I be?”
During the teams season DeSean Jackson caught 58 passes for 961 yards and four touchdowns including a 62-yard touchdown pass on Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Redskins, allowing his team to finish the season with an 8-8 record.
Jackson’s season was also met with a one-game suspension after he failed to show up to a team meeting as his contract was being renegotiated, something he plans to avoid in the future. Jackson told the Philadelphia Inquirer :
“I can’t really get frustrated over contract situations, or if I’m not paid how I think I should be, whatever the case may be. I can’t really allow that to go on as a professional.”
Do you think the Philadelphia Eagles should have worked more quickly to secure a long-term contract with DeSean Jackson in order to avoid any type of locker room tension that may have affected the teams season?