The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly have no plans to let receiver DeSean Jackson hit the open market.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing unnamed sources, reported Sunday that the Eagles will use their franchise tag on Jackson if they can't reach a long-term deal with him before March 5, the deadline to use the tag on free agents. The first day teams can issue a franchise tender is Feb. 20.

If Jackson plays the 2012 season under a franchise tender, he would be paid about $9.5 million for the season, the newspaper reported. The Eagles could also trade Jackson after it uses the tag on the receiver.

Players can sign with new teams or be traded by their current teams beginning March 13, when the NFL's free-agent period begins.

Jackson had a tumultuous 2011 season. He held out for a new contract in training camp, was deactivated for a game for disciplinary reasons and his production slipped.


The 25-year-old receiver finished the season with 58 catches, 961 yards and four touchdowns.


When asked after the season ended if he'd accept playing under a franchise tag, he answered, "why wouldn't I be?"

"Hey, it'd be all right. God's got a plan, brother. I'm going to roll with it," he said, according to CSNPhilly.com.

The four-year veteran averaged 57 receptions, 1,041 yards and six TDs in his first three seasons to go along with three rushing TDs and four on punt returns.


Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Source: Philadelphia Eagles likely to franchise WR DeSean Jackson, report says - ESPN

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