14-year NFL veteran DeSean Jackson has elected to return to football after a half-year layoff from the sport. The Baltimore Ravens will kick the tires on the 35-year-old receiver in hopes that he can help them make a strong playoff push. Injuries to receivers such as Rashod Bateman have forced the Ravens to search for depth, and DeSean Jackson looks to be the missing link. In the 2021 season, (split between the Rams and the Raiders) Jackson showed flashes of his youth. Over the years, Jackson has been lauded as one of the NFL’s best and most recognizable deep threats.
Coming out of The University of California, Jackson was considered an undersized receiver, standing 5 foot 10 and weighing only 175 pounds. Although there was a size discrepancy between DeSean and other wide receivers in his draft class such as Jordy Nelson and Matthew Slater, Jackson has easily seen the most success of any pass catcher from the 2008 draft. DeSean Jackson has successfully contributed to 5 teams, including the Eagles, Washington, Buccaneers, Rams, and Raiders, as he now looks to put his stamp on the Baltimore Ravens season.
Baltimore Ravens Seek Help From Veteran Receiver DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson Signs To Ravens Practice Squad
The Baltimore Ravens have added veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson to their practice squad in hopes of attaining some much-needed help at the receiver position. Jackson, a 14-year veteran, former NFL All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowler, isn’t ready to call it a career just yet. When asked by retired NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones on the popular “I Am Athlete” podcast if he’s ready to retire, Jackson said “Hell no I’m not retiring…I’m a [expletive] free agent, I’m ready to go.”
Jackson was also very specific when asked about his future in the league, stating that he would love an opportunity to suit up in black and purple. “I like Lamar Jackson’s game right now, man…Baltimore.” He then suggested that “Jackson to Jackson” could become a reality. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson could surely use another deep threat, and there is none better than the NFL record holder for the most 60+ and 80+ yard touchdowns.
DeSean Jackson, who was signed to the #Ravens practice squad Wednesday, was asked what he brings to the team.
“The tape speaks for itself,” he said. pic.twitter.com/DTe6dIPPLK
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 20, 2022
Desean Jackson Over The Years
Philadelphia 2008-2013/2019-2020
DeSean Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 49th pick in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL draft. Jackson was drafted to help former head coach Andy Reid get over the hump while also helping then-quarterback Donovan Mcnabb with his struggling receiving corps. Jackson spent a total of eight seasons playing for the Eagles, six of which were from 2008-2013 with the other two seasons being from 2019-2020. In Jackson’s six initial seasons in Philadelphia, he surpassed 1,000 receiving yards three different times and went for 900+ yards twice.
Within his first six seasons, Jackson’s worst statistical output came in an injury-shortened 2012 season in which he still accrued 700 receiving yards. When Jackson returned to the Eagles in 2019, there were feelings of nostalgia all over. Unfortunately, Jackson was well past his prime and could never stay healthy enough to make a difference. In his final two seasons in Philadelphia, Jackson only played a total of 8 games and posted under 400 total receiving yards in two years. DeSean Jackson in his prime was arguably the most electric player in the game, and left many fans with lasting memories.
Throwback 2010: Miracle at the Meadowlands II when DeSean Jackson called game for the @Eagles with a walk-off punt return TD 🔥
📺: Eagles vs. Giants, Sunday at 1PM ET on FOX pic.twitter.com/1ElsNZXqn8
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 14, 2020
Washington 2014-2016
In 2014, DeSean Jackson signed a three-year deal with Washington which improved the team drastically and assisted young quarterback Kirk Cousins in his professional development. In two of his three seasons, DeSean Jackson led the team in receiving and was able to surpass 1,000 yards twice.
Although he was never able to play a full season in a Washington uniform, Jackson’s worst year in Washington was an injury-shortened season, in which he only played in nine games and finished with under 600 yards. Not surprisingly, Washington was only able to make the playoffs one time in Jackson’s three seasons; that being a 35-18 Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers. As an aging star, Jackson was able to prove that he still had plenty left in the tank going into his 30’s, and left many Washington fans appreciative of his efforts.
Random Highlights: DeSean Jackson also had a amazing performance against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving day which includes a 59-yard app rec TD in the fourth quarter. In his three short seasons in Washington Jackson had two 1,000 yard seasons and 14 receiving TDs. #HTTR pic.twitter.com/WbAk87JOrr
— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) June 24, 2020
Tampa Bay 2017-2018
In 2017, DeSean Jackson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an effort to help inconsistent quarterback Jameis Winston and to be a counterpart to star wide receiver Mike Evans. Although explosive offensively, the pair was never able to turn highlights into meaningful victories. In two short seasons, Jackson recorded 668 yards in 2017 and then 774 in 2018. As usual, Jackson was able to win over the Tampa fan base with his electrifying style of play, and gained the trust of his teammates with his steady production, even in his older age. The Buccaneers were not able to make the playoffs in either of Jackson’s two seasons, and he left the team after deciding it would be best for both parties.
On the very first play of the game, #Bucs QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hits a streaking DeSean Jackson for the TD! #PHIvsTB #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/nGfCIABbJs
— Cole Topham (@crtopham_) September 16, 2018
