FanPost

Why the Jets Absolutely Need DeSean Jackson


DeSean Jackson has recently been the subject of trade rumors and the Jets absolutely need him. The Jets had a downright awful supporting cast for Geno Smith last year and the only upgrade they made is signing Eric Decker, who may or may not be a number 2 receiver at best. Trading for DeSean Jackson not only gives Geno another weapon that he desperately needs, but gives the Jets needed draft flexibility that can be used to address the secondary.

Jackson would give the Jets a weapon that would not only add phenomenal speed to the wide receiver corps but a dynamic play maker that can score in a flash. On deep routes this year, Pro Football Focus has DeSean Jackson ranked as that second best deep threat in football, while Eric Decker is number one. The difference between Decker and Jackson is Decker is a great route runner while Jackson is a speed demon, and giving both of them to Geno, tied for third in deep throws would make the Jets lethal on offense. Defenses would have to respect the speed of Jackson which would open up the field for Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley, and would not allow defenses to stack the box against Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, and whoever the Jets have as their speed back. (I doubt they will keep Mike Goodson) Throw in the fact that Jackson has experience in Marty Mornhinweg's offense, he is a perfect fit for the offense. Jackson also is a dynamite return man who, is on a whole other level compared to Jeremy Kerley.

Trading for Jackson also gives the Jets flexibility in the draft. All year, almost every draft analyst has had a wide receiver or tight end go to the Jets. Now if the Jets trade for Jackson, an offensive play maker is not as big of a need as secondary help. Instead of selecting Odell Beckham Jr., Brandon Crooks, or Marquise Lee, the Jets can focus on drafting a corner or a safety in the first round in order to repair our god-awful secondary. Hopefully and probably, Darqueze Dennard will be available when the Jets are ready to pick. Getting Dennard would give the Jets two young and promising shutdown corners that Rex Ryan needs for his defense to thrive. If Dennard isn't available the Jets can either pick one of the safeties (Clinton-Dix or Pryor), or trade down and accumulate more picks and taking Jace Amaro.

The Jets have plenty of cap space to be able to take on Jackson's contract even if Mark Sanchez isn't cut, even though he should be. To trade for Jackson, the Eagles are reportedly seeking a third round pick according to CSN Philly's Derrick Gunn. But, due to the small number of teams with the available cap space the Eagles might have to settle for a fourth round pick with another late round pick. Even if the third round pick is the price the Jets have to pay, why wouldn't the Jets accept the deal. They have the ammunition to move up due to their compensatory picks,(I know you can't trade them, but they can trade the picks they already have) and because the draft is so deep the Jets would still be able to get quality players with their remaining picks.

Overall, the Jets should not hesitate to acquire DeSean Jackson if a third is indeed the asking price. He is an established, explosive player who already knows the system and would give the Jets a dynamic pair of receivers in himself and Decker. The Jets have the cap space and the picks necessary to acquire him and this is the deal that would help John Idzik have a successful off season with the Jets. This is my first time writing so please critique me (civily) and let me know your opinions on the subject.

This is a FanPost written by a registered member of this site. The views expressed here are those of the author alone and not those of anybody affiliated with Gang Green Nation or SB Nation.