Rizzla discusses the fantasy context of DeSean Jackson’s trade to the Philadelphia Eagles.
DeSean Jackson is going back home. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, Jackson became a star in Philadelphia only to be jettisoned by a green head coach who felt he needed to trade his stars to have a larger voice in his locker room. After consistently expressing his displeasure in Tampa Bay, he was finally dealt for what amounts to an insignificant pick exchange. The Eagles sent the Buccaneers a sixth round pick for DeSean Jackson and a 2020 seventh round pick.
This is a great move for the Philadelphia Eagles. They had been looking for a deep threat since Mike Wallace went down early last year, and now get the best in the business. Even more significant is that they were not forced to overpay in a weaker free agent class. They also gave Jackson a new deal for three years and $27 million, a bargain when compared to what some less talented receivers ended up getting on the exact same day.
It is hard to say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not get fleeced on this deal. The fact they had to send a seventh rounder back to the Philadelphia Eagles just adds insult to injury. This however was a divorce that many had seen coming weeks before the season ended. Jameis Winston and D-Jax never really developed an on field rapport, as the speedster was much more productive with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. The Buccaneers also lost Adam Humphries to free agency, so will likely look to a deep wide receiver draft class to bolster their receiver room depth.
Fantasy Context:
DeSean Jackson sees a nice value boost with this news. D-Jax becomes a solid upside WR3 who will almost certainly produce some WR2, and even WR1 outings. Jackson will remain a boom or bust option on the Eagles, as he will likely be behind both Zach Ertz, and Alshon Jeffery most weeks in terms of targets. Jackson’s impact will be felt beyond his own box score, as his electric speed will open things up for both the running, and passing games.
Carson Wentz should return to the top end fantasy quarterback we saw in 2017. He showed flashes in 2018, but should now find more consistency with a more balanced, and healthy aerial assault. Treat Wentz as a top eight option in redraft, and top six in dynasty.
Alshon Jeffery should not be adversely affected by this acquisition. Jeffery will now see less double coverage, and should still see similar volume from Carson Wentz. Jeffery remains a WR2 type, with a WR1 ceiling.
Zach Ertz figures to lose some volume. Zach Ertz set a new single season record for receptions by a tight end in 2018, but should see closer to 90 receptions with D-Jackson in town. Ertz will likely remain Carson Wentz’ top target, and should remain a top five option at tight end.
