FILE - In this April 3, 2013 file photo, Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia. The Eagles have released Jackson. The team cut Jackson on Friday, March 28, 2014. He was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File )
April 01, 2014 - 10:43 PM
WASHINGTON - The Washington Redskins made their biggest move yet of the off-season Tuesday night, adding three-time Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson less than a week days after the dynamic playmaker was released by the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Jackson's publicist tweeted that Jackson was signing with the Redskins following two days of meeting with coaches and officials.
Jackson also broadcast the news, tweeting: "ITS GOIN DOWN !! BURGUNDY & GOLD".
He arrived in the D.C. area Monday night and spent much of Tuesday at Redskins Park while his agent negotiated with the front office.
Jackson set career-highs with 82 catches for 1,332 yards last season for the NFC East champion Eagles, but Philadelphia tried to trade him and then cut him last week amid reports of off-the-field concerns. Jackson issued a statement denying he was associated with street gangs.
The Redskins, coming off a 3-13 season, had been looking for a versatile threat to add to an offence that includes Robert Griffin III, Pierre Garcon, Andre Roberts, Jordan Reed and Alfred Morris.
Jackson becomes the second player the Redskins have lured from an NFC East rival this off-season. Defensive lineman Jason Hatcher signed with Washington after eight seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.
Jackson's signing is the first headliner move since the hiring of coach Jay Gruden and since general manager Bruce Allen was put in charge of the roster, but it echoes a familiar pattern from past years under Redskins owner Dan Snyder: Go after the hot name and live with whatever baggage there might be. The strategy has often failed — Albert Haynesworth and Donovan McNabb are recent examples — but the 27-year-old Jackson is still in his prime.
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