Eagles WR DeSean Jackson Distracted by Contract Situation

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson's problems stem from his concern about his contract situation, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

McLane adds that Jackson, who turned 24 years old today, spends "an inordinate amount of time" texting his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, during the Eagles' work day.

The 49th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Cal, Jackson has caught 160 passes for 2,757 yards (17.2 per) and 16 touchdowns during the first 41 games of his NFL career. Jackson has added 331 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground, and has averaged 10.2 yards on 94 punt returns, returning three for touchdowns.

Jackson went to the Pro Bowl following the 2009 season, and feels he's outperformed his four-year rookie contract, which is worth $3.469 million and included $1.744 million in guarantees. As a second round pick, Jackson's contract included minimal base salary escalation in the final year of the deal, with Jackson eligible to receive $10,000 increases in 2010 and 2011, which were tied to his participation in the team's off-season workouts.

Like Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson, any extension for Jackson is hindered by the 30% rule, which limits the amount a player's salary (base salary plus amounts not treated as signing bonus) by 30% in each year of an extension.

For Jackson, that would mean $115,500 is the most his salaries could increase from his $385,000 starting point. The Eagles have been as proactive as any team in the NFL at locking core players up for the long-term, but to pay Jackson at a level he feels he should be compensated at would require an extremely large signing bonus.

As McLane notes, Jackson changed agents last November, replacing Adam Heller of DeBartolo Sports with Rosenhaus, whose stable of clients includes three of Jackson's Philadephia teammates (guard Max Jean-Gilles, running back LeSean McCoy, and practice squad tight end Cornelius Ingram.).

Rosenhaus Sports Representation declined to comment for McLane's article.

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al's picture

December 02, 2010 at 04:58 pm

greedy greedy greedy, one thing about nfl players like this, dont just be happy with the 100's of thousands to millions of dollars your making to play A GAME, instead cry about it and show everyone all you care about is getting more money. There are alot of people out there this Christmas season Mr. Jackson that are much less fortunate then yourself, and you won't hear the hard working Americans like myself crying to my employers for a raise. Instead I'll continue to work hard and wait for my turn, and do the best to support my family on what I have, even if I have to pick-up a 2nd job working fast food to do so.

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