The Eagles would like to bring two-time Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson back, as long as the two sides can agree on financial terms, owner Jeff Lurie said Tuesday following his press conference regarding the future of head coach Andy Reid (see story).
Jackson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, free to negotiate a contract with any NFL team.
Luries comments were the first from the Eagles stating that money -- and not questions of character or anything else -- is the only factor that will determine whether Jackson remains an Eagle.
I would welcome him back, Lurie said. I think if the right terms develop, he would be welcomed back.
Jackson spent this past season playing for the NFL fourth-year minimum of 600,000 despite surpassing 1,000 yards and recording 16 touchdowns of 60 yards or more -- most ever by a player in his first three seasons -- from 2008 through 2010.
Jackson held out of training camp, was suspended for a game after missing a mandatory meeting, dropped five touchdown passes and admitted that his contract situation was affecting his play.
But over the past month, he was a model citizen, played very well, and even made a late run at a third straight 1,000-yard season before falling 39 yards short.
NFL
Listen, DeSean is a terrific player, and I think his attitude and his whole approach in the last month of the season was terrific, Lurie said. High energy. I think he started to realize and get it.
The Eagles can franchise Jackson for 2012, which would guarantee him the average of the five-highest-paid NFL wide receivers based on 2011 salary cap figures -- probably about 9.4 million.
We have the leverage where we can do what we choose to do and control his situation, Lurie said.
Jackson ranks 10th in the NFL since entering the league with 4,096 receiving yards. Hes scored 28 touchdowns, including 21 receiving, three rushing and four on punt returns.
Terrific player, Lurie said. I really dont agree with those that dont think hes tapped his potential fully. I think he hasnt and he has a chance to get even better.
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com