Payday: DeSean Jackson Inks Deal With The Birds

It's. About. Time.

The controversy is well documented. The training camp lockout already went down causing some rifts. The benching and suspension came and went but the man has deserved his money for a long time. On Wednesday afternoon it all seized and Jackson got what he was seeking in a big way.

DeSean Jackson joined the flurry of significant wide receivers to sign a contract since free agency broke by inking a 5 year deal with Philadelphia worth $51 million according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Initially, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on Jackson which guaranteed the Birds ownership of the two time pro bowl playmaker. It was thought that under the franchise tag, Philly would either sign Jackson to a  long-term contract, or ship him away in return for some high valued players.

The franchise tag, if agreed upon by the player and the organization pays the player the leagues top average among their specific position. Jackson would of made $9.4 million in 2012-2013 under the franchise tag. The only sour part about the tag is that long term security is not assured and that is what Jackson and his agent, Drew Rosenhous were seeking. Now, both sides couldn't be more thrilled. Jackson gets his years and money and the Eagles lock up one of the most electrifying game breakers in the National Football League.

Quote via ESPN:


"We are thrilled to be able to keep one of the NFL's top playmakers in Philadelphia," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "DeSean is a gamebreaker. He has the speed and ability to score from anywhere on the field, and he has proven himself to be a big threat for our offense."

Fantastic video here on ESPN's "First Take" about how if the Eagles would regret signing DeSean to a long term deal. Stephen A. Smith makes some valid points on how this is a great signing, but happened a year too late.

This adds another signing to the Eagles bank account of home grown players. Earlier in the week, Philadelphia gave both defensive end Trent Cole and tackle Todd Herremans fresh paper while trading Winston Justice to the Colts and releasing center Jamal Jackson.

Reports have recently surfaced that the Eagles are in contact with LeSean McCoy and his representatives about a new deal that would lock up the 2011 NFL Fed Ex Ground Player of the Year.

Classy moves by the Eagles  so far locking up their own talent.