Yesterday, it was reported that the New England Patriots have shown interest in free agent wide receiver DeSean Jackson. The former Washington Redskins wideout joins the New Orleans Saints' Brandin Cooks as a potential target for the Patriots to acquire.
Today, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole offered additional updates:
Some morning tidbits: Expect avg salary for WR @DeSeanJackson11 to be over $11M per yr. #Cowboys, #Eagles, #Patriots & #Bucs in mix for now.
That the Patriots are still in the mix for Jackson is surprising given his price tag. An average salary of reportedly over $11.0 million per season would instantly make him the team's second-highest paid player behind quarterback Tom Brady. This seems like a questionable move for a team that could re-sign a known commodity, tight end Martellus Bennett, for significantly less.
However, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo offered a follow-up report, which points out that Jackson would have to take a discount if he want to play in New England:
The Patriots being in on DeSean Jackson sounds fun but unless he's ready to take a very steep discount, it isn't happening.
@BenVolin The cut on this one, from what I gather, is almost 50% though
This seems more in line with the Patriots' way of making business. While the team is exploring the free agency wide receiver market, it seemingly will not overspend despite almost $60 million in salary cap space.