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Falcons should consider signing WR DeSean Jackson

The Los Angeles Rams were unable to work out a trade for veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline, and chose to waive him on Tuesday. After clearing waivers, Jackson is free to sign with any team.

So, why not Atlanta? The Falcons’ No. 1 receiver, Calvin Ridley, is out for an indefinite period of time. Russell Gage has been dinged up all year and thus far not as productive as he was in 2020, and Kyle Pitts — while he can play out wide — is a better mismatch when he’s free to move around.

During the team’s Week 8 loss to the Panthers, Pitts caught just of two of six targets for 13 yards. In comparison, the rookie tight end had 16 catches for 282 receiving yards combined over the previous two games. Clearly, Pitts is more effective with weapons around him that can stretch the field.

Why Jackson makes sense

Even at 34 years old, Jackson is one of those rare athletes who, like Terrell Owens, has the ability to keep himself in incredible condition. Jackson can still get behind any secondary, especially when used as a second or third option, and his ability to take the top off a defense is something Atlanta will miss as long as Ridley is out.

While Ridley has yet to really hit his stride this season, his top-end speed was something defenses had to account for. Jackson still has that type of speed, averaging 27.6 yards per reception this season.

Big-play ability

Can Falcons afford him?

Currently, the Falcons have a little over $1.1 million in salary cap space, per Over The Cap‘s projections. They could certainly create a little bit more by releasing another receiver or potentially restructuring with one of their big contracts, although that seems unlikely.

However, Jackson wasn’t claimed with his $2.75 million base salary and over a million in potential bonuses, meaning the market for him isn’t exactly hot. If he’s looking for more playing time — which his trade request from the 7-1 Rams would suggest — he could definitely find it in Atlanta.

So while the team’s cap situation is far from ideal, if there’s mutual interest from both parties, it wouldn’t be impossible to work something out.

DeSean Jackson: Career Stats

  • Games played: 167 (154 starts)
  • Catches: 620
  • Receiving yards: 10,877
  • Touchdowns: 57
  • Average: 18.22 yards per reception
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