Report: DeSean Jackson to sign with new NFL team
Veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson has found a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders after departing the L.A. Rams earlier this month. The Raiders fell to 5-3 on Sunday with a loss to the New York Giants, 23-16.
Jackson, 34, is now with his sixth NFL team since the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in the second round in 2008. He played six seasons in Philly, three in Washington, two in Tampa Bay, two more in Philadelphia and less than one in Los Angeles before heading to Las Vegas.
On Nov. 2, NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport reported the Rams and Jackson mutually agreed to seek a trade partner.
Rappaport added, “The 34-year-old can still run, averaging 27.6 yards per catch this year, including a 75-yard TD.”
While his use with the Rams was limited, DeSean Jackson proved he can still play at a high level. He’s a deep threat at wideout and looking to make a playoff push with the Raiders. Las Vegas lost their top wideout, Henry Ruggs III, to a DUI resulting in death arrest last week.
On Jackson’s eight receptions this season – from 15 balls thrown his way, in his 100 offensive plays – he’s averaging 27.6 yards. That’s the highest average among NFL receivers with more than a handful of catches. He’s No. 1 in career yards per reception (17.6) among active players.
Las Vegas Raiders release Henry Ruggs III
After Henry Ruggs III crashed his Corvette going 156 mph, killing a 23-year-old woman and a dog, the Las Vegas Raiders released their first-round draft pick.
Prior to his release, Henry Ruggs III had 24 receptions, 469 yards and two touchdowns this season for the Raiders. He has started all seven games Las Vegas has played this year and led the team in receiving yards.
The Raiders quarterback Derek Carr took the news especially hard.
“I walked by and I saw Henry’s locker today and for whatever reason that got me,” Carr told the media. “Like he’s not gonna be there. Not because he’s fast. Not because of what he could do for me. But because of the person he is and because I love him.
Veteran DeSean Jackson should be able to step in for the Raiders to provide another outlet for Carr. He has 10,877 career receiving yards and 61 scores.
Las Vegas hosts the Kansas City Chiefs for a primetime matchup next Sunday night.