By now we all know by now that DeSean Jackson has signed with the Ravens for what we believe to be a rest-of-the-season contract. The 35-year-old veteran wideout is looking to revitalize his career with the Baltimore Ravens after recovering from injury.
Some people would say, “beyond his playing time.” Others, including myself, would like to believe that this team is the team to go to when you want to rebuild and/or restart your career. Others would not agree with that statement.
The Ravens had brought in proven vets in other positions, like just a few weeks ago, EDGE rusher Jason Pierre-Paul — or JPP — who is proving to be a huge asset. In previous years, WR Dez Bryant, for example, did alright but nothing major or flashy. Two different guys in different positions, but similar situations. DJax, the team, and the fan base are about to find out which side of the chart he will land.
Jackson has bounced around the NFL a bit with two stints in Philly with the Eagles, (2008-2013, 2019-2020), three years in Washington (2014-2016), two years in pre-Tom Brady Tampa (2017-2018), and most recently with both the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. The Rams were kind enough to include him as a part of their Super Bowl-winning team.
During his time with all of these teams, he made a difference early as a WR1 speedster, and later as a solid third/fourth option for the offensive schemes he was in. If you don’t believe me, we can take a look at all his stats, thanks to Pro Football Reference.
What can Desean Jackson do with the Ravens?
I think he’ll fill in somewhere between DeMarcus Robinson and James Proche. Most likely, he will rotate at WR3 with Robinson, if anything. We all know WR1, Rashod Bateman, is still out with a foot injury, and WR2, Devin Duvernay, has been taking in a good workload — both before and after the Bateman injury. Tight end Mark Andrews is Lamar Jackson’s security blanket, so there goes another read.
If DeSean Jackson can fit in and do well in a Greg Roman offense, then we know the Ravens got something good out of this bargain deal.
I do believe DeSean Jackson will put up numbers against opposing defenses either way. This gives Lamar a dedicated speedster, and another weapon in many different spots on this offense.