DeSean Jackson lists KC Chiefs among desirable teams for ’22

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of a few teams that DeSean Jackson mentioned by name when asked where he wants to play in 2022.

The Kansas City Chiefs look like they are set at wide receiver except for any incoming rookies from the 2022 NFL Draft class. However, DeSean Jackson is hoping that door is not completely closed off to veterans.

In a recent interview for Sports Illustrated’s show Laces Out, Jackson spoke with host Ashley Nicole Moss about a number of topics in his NFL career and the subject then turned to his future. Jackson has already stated his hopes to return for the coming NFL season, but told Moss that it has to be the “right situation” with a “great quarterback.”

“I’m not really sure if I’m going to play next year or not. I know I announced and said I was gonna play, but at this point where I’m at in my life, it’s gotta be the right fit. Being able to play 14 years in the NFL, going to Philly, going to Washington, Tampa, back to Philly and then playing for the Rams and the Raiders, it’s just gotta be right for me. But my career has been one helluva ride.”

Jackson went to also mention the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Browns.

With his season split between the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders, Jackson had 20 catches for 454 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns last season. While the totals are low, the 22+ yard average per catch is a nice figure and shows that he still has the ability to stretch the field.

That said, the Chiefs already signed JuJu Smith-Schuster on a one-year deal in free agency and then signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a three-year contract to round out the receiving corps with Mecole Hardman. The Chiefs have also taken flyers on vets like Josh Gordon and Corey Coleman along with a host of young development players waiting for the same chance to shine. It makes the presence of Jackson superfluous on a roster likely to add another highly-touted rookie.

Then again, the Chiefs are led by Andy Reid who is already very familiar with Jackson’s talents given their years together in Philadelphia. Would that be enough to bring him in? Maybe the Chiefs bypass a receiver in the draft and fail to round out the WR room like most of us think they will. Perhaps that door will be left open for Jackson after all.

In the end, Jackson can hold out all the hopes he wants, but the NFL is a business and it’s often hard to line up where a player wants to play, especially late in his career, with what a team is looking for.