Aug 24, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) reacts prior to the start of their game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
We’re now on Day 2 of DeSean Jackson watch, which has turned into “mystery team day.” At this stage the Chiefs and the Raiders are the most frequent names mentioned with some new teams entering the mix and a potentially a team leaving the race.
Here’s where we are so far.
Two wildcard teams interested in DeSean Jackson: #Redskins and #Bills. Can see both fits. Toss those in with #Chiefs, #Raiders and the rest.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2014
Washington and Buffalo are now in the mix for Jackson, though how aggressive their interest is unknown. Note Rapoport refers to the them as wildcards and not as aggressive pursuers.
Jets are NOT one of the nine teams that now have inquired on free-agent WR DeSean Jackson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 29, 2014
If this is the case then the top tier of contenders just dropped to Oakland and Kansas City. There is always a chance another team decides to be aggressive and jump into the fray, which would emphasize the need for the Chiefs to act quickly.
DeSean Jackson has a business decision. Curious to see if his heart makes it. Prerelease he put word out to #Raiders of his interest in them
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2014
Keep in mind the Chiefs had already declared they would not trade for Jackson before the Friday release, and Oakland was one of the few teams with cap space to take on Jackson’s contract in a trade. Jackson’s options increase now that he’s a free agent, and teams like the Chiefs, who were not really an option before him being released, can now come into play.
On the other hand, Jackson is from Los Angeles so a move to Oakland would put him much closer to home. Oakland would make a ton of sense for Jackson should he decide to sign there. Whether or not the Raiders are willing to make that move is another question.