With the trade deadline passed, could the Lions put in a claim on the now-waived DeSean Jackson?
It’s no secret that the Detroit Lions are short in the wide receiver department, as quarterback Jared Goff heavily targeted tight end T.J. Hockenson (10 catches on 11 targets for 89 yards) in Week 8. Goff only targeted the wide receiver position nine times against the Eagles in Week 8, with the only production (three catches for 46 yards) coming from Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lions’ running backs were targeted 12 times, with 12 catches for 87 yards, against Philadelphia.
After Tuesday afternoon’s trade deadline passed, and after a mutual agreement a trade would be sought, news came that the Los Angeles Rams waived wide receiver DeSean Jackson. With the Lions sitting at 0-8, their waiver priority the highest in the league. Could Jackson land in Detroit?
The #Rams are expected to release DeSean Jackson, per sources. Both parties explored trade possibilities. Jackson would have stayed but this gives him chance to get more playing time. He'll be subject to waivers.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 2, 2021
#Rams WR DeSean Jackson announces he is parting ways with the team, as @MikeGarafolo said would happen. pic.twitter.com/lGbw2fZ9oj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 2, 2021
What does DeSean Jackson offer this year’s Detroit Lions?
Jackson’s calling card is as a speedster and a downfield threat. Even if he’s lost a step or two with age, he’s still the kind of deep threat the Lions sorely lack. His ability to stretch the field will help Hockenson and running back D’Andre Swift on underneath routes. And if defenders don’t respect the deep ball possibility, Jackson could cash in a long touchdown or two.
At 34 years old (35 on Dec. 1) Jackson doesn’t fit the Lions’ current status as one of the youngest rosters in the league in the midst of a rebuild. But that could be a good thing. With so many younger players, a veteran presence should be welcomed with open arms.
If Jackson isn’t happy being in Detroit on a losing team, he could become a distraction. Head coach Dan Campbell might not put up with that, and remove him from the roster as quickly as he could come.
Jackson seems likely to land somewhere via waivers, and if not he will surely land somewhere soon after if he clears unclaimed. The Lions have proverbial first dibs on Jackson now, so we’ll see soon what they think of his fit over the rest of the season.