I’m all for the Jets signing DeSean Jackson once he is released by the Eagles, under one condition:
They give him a one-year deal. And nothing more.
Let’s call this Santonio Holmes Law: do not enable a diva receiva with a red-flagged past by going all-in on him with a monster contract.
Do not assume D-Jax’s recurring moodiness was simply a matter of immaturity.
There was a Buyer’s Beware sign plastered all over Holmes, who was a steal for a fifth-round draft choice. That five-year, $50 million contract? Not so much.
There was a reason why the Steelers were so eager to discard Holmes, and there is a reason why Chip Kelly wants Jackson out of Philadelphia.
D-Jax does not bring as much baggage as Holmes did, but he has been a headache. And the last thing the Jets — who lead the league in manufacturing headaches — need is another one.
My initial reaction when the news broke that the Jets were interested was thanks but no thanks. I’ve decided to give him the benefit of my doubt.
Go get him!
For 2014. And only 2014.
Rex Ryan faces a playoffs-or-bust season after three straight empty Januarys, and the way Woody Johnson was talking at the owners’ meetings Sunday, it sure sounds as if he won’t bend over backwards one more time for him.
D-Jax is an electric, dynamic game-breaker who would change the complexion of Marty Mornhinweg’s offense and help Geno Vick, or Michael Smith, whichever one will be the starting quarterback. Jackson would also add a nuclear dimension to the return game. He would be the perfect complement to Eric Decker, a big No. 2 receiver.
If the Jets get Jackson, they could use the 18th pick on a cornerback, because right now, media relations chiefs Bruce Speight and Jared Winley may have to serve as depth.
The presence of D-Jax would be both a blessing and a curse for both Ryan and Geno Smith. Ryan would have no excuses — general manager John Idzik would have gotten him the weapons the Jets so blatantly lacked a year ago.
Smith would have no excuses — either he develops an instant chemistry with D-Jax, or Michael Vick will show him how it’s done, reunited with his former teammate.
Holmes was 26 when then-GM Mike Tannenbaum landed him for one of those old Hess trucks. D-Jax is 27.
D-Jax is capable of keeping Bill Belichick up at night. He is also capable of keeping Ryan, who thinks he could coach Charles Manson, and Mornhinweg up at night.
Go get him!