Philadelphia Eagles: What if DJax plays really well these final two games?

Would the Philadelphia Eagles consider bringing back DeSean Jackson?

For better or for worse – the Philadelphia Eagles have activated DeSean Jackson for this weekend’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. After missing essentially the entire 2020 season due to a hamstring injury and a high ankle sprain, the veteran wideout will be making his triumphant return with the season on the line.

For what its worth, there’s very little reason to believe that Jackson will make a huge impact upon returning to the lineup. He’s played just 10% of the team’s snaps since being reacquired prior to the 2019 season, and he has just 13 total catches this year.

DJax has battled a handful of different injuries the last two seasons, and has ultimately proven to be an unreliable option out at wide receiver.

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However, let’s get crazy for a second. Let’s say that Jackson comes back looking like the DJax from 2019’s Week 1, where he exploded for two touchdowns and 150+ yards in route to a resounding Philadelphia Eagles comeback win.

Let’s say (going up against two bad teams in Dallas and Washington) that Jackson explodes back onto the scene and reestablishes himself as a viable receiving threat for the Eagles. Would Howie Roseman and company consider bringing him back for the 2021 season?

As crazy as it may sound (considering the fact that Jackson has spent more time in rehab than on the football field), I wouldn’t rule out this possibility altogether. The Eagles obviously need help at WR, Howie has shown an over-affection for former players in the past, Jalen Hurts and DJax appear to have a good off-the-field connection, and Jackson could likely be had at a cheap price via a restructure.

Cutting Jackson after the 2020 season would result in a $5.82 million dead cap hit as it is, so there’s genuinely an argument to be made that keeping him on the roster for at least one more season (on a far lower cap number) might be in the team’s best interest.

Ultimately speaking, it seems foolish to bring back Jackson for one more season – especially when you take into his account his recent injury history. However, we all said that about a guy like Jalen Mills last season, and he’s spent the entire 2020 campaign as the Eagles starting safety. Jason Peters coming back this season (and getting a pay raise to switch positions) is another example of the team prioritizing “loyalty” over on-field production and development.

If Jackson can show off a little juice these final two weeks, I honestly wouldn’t put it past Roseman to look into extending/restructuring Jackson’s current deal. As long as DJax isn’t thinking about retirement, the potential for him to be back on the roster for Week 1 next year is undoubtedly present.