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When DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles this week, his ties to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins nominated him for a 2021 reunion. After all, this is the start of the season. offseason, so every released player finds a hypothetical path to Minnesota. These newly released free agent spitball scenarios rarely play out, but some find them irresistible.
Jackson takes center stage for the ‘Take Him to the Vikings’ ghost chatter, at least for a news cycle or more. Together, Jackson and Cousins have been great for the Washington football team. It was Jackson who was one of the first to grab Cousins ’balls, maximizing Cousins’ statistical production. In fact, Jackson has led every NFL player since 2010 in landings over 50 yards – one mile. He has won 35 receptions that have gained 50 or more yards in the past decade. The next closest wide receivers in this metric are Mike Wallace and Jordy Nelson – with 23 each. Of those 35 catches of more than 50 yards by Jackson since 2010, 31% have been delivered by Cousins. Eight of them even went for touchdowns. Indeed, Cousins-to-Jackson was a prolific connection in Washington, and it didn’t get much publicity.
Naturally, that means the two can recreate a utopia at US Bank Stadium, right? Well, maybe. But there are several other factors lurking about Jackson’s potential marriage to the Vikings – many of which are unwanted.
Injuries – Yes, those
When people remember Jackson, the sun and rainbows adorn their thoughts. Jackson’s perception is that of his peak performance. Think of it as nostalgia.
The Vikings could very well sign Jackson, allowing a rejuvenation of his mid-twenties with Cousins in charge of the offense. Yet these types of transactions usually end with a whimper. Why? Because Jackson is not in his twenties anymore.
He will be a 35-year-old wide receiver in 2021 – a receiver who has missed 75% of all football games with injury over the past two seasons. Jackson could join the totally revitalized Eagan club, but it’s not a Madden video game. Injuries matter. And as we get older, they increase. Jackson is more likely to be in the twilight of his career – like every other 34-year-old – than he is on the cusp of a massive WR3 campaign with the Vikings next season.
Anti-semitism
Remember that post from Jackson on social media last year?
“Because the white Jews know that the negroes are the real children of Israel and to keep America a secret, the Jews are going to blackmail America. They’ll extort America, their plan for world domination won’t work if the niggas know who they were. White citizens of America will be terrified to know that all this time they have mistreated, discriminated against and lynched the Children of Israel.
Nothing says “sign this guy to the Vikings” like a quote widely attributed to Adolf Hitler. Of course, men and women have a right to redemption after times like these. This Instagram post shouldn’t ruin her life. He apologized after the kerfuffle.
But the property of the Vikings is made up of American Jews. There is a world where Zygi and Mark Wilf can forgive and forget, but asking them to pounce on a player for a job that references Hitler as the subject of a strange marriage. Usually, using the Holocaust orchestrator as a means of social communication is not good business for American Jews. Or all non-sectarian humans in general.
“Cousins Ties” Probably Not Enough
It’s true that Cousins and Jackson had a grill chemistry – underrated in most circles. The Vikings could ink Jackson for one final hurray as he searches for a job, and Minnesota is trying to win a Super Bowl. But that would make some terribly odd bed-mates given Jackson’s recent injuries and his apparent affinity for Hitler.
More realistically, Minnesota will find a Tajae Sharpe-style WR3 in free agency for 2021 – but will actually use the new guy this time around. Or – the team can spend one of its four 4se-Round draft chips on an upstart WR3. While none of those alternatives are on GM Rick Spielman’s agenda, the Vikings have a tight end in Irv Smith Jr. hungry for targets and a breakout season.
It’s okay to fantasize about the “what ifs” of a Jackson-to-the-Vikings deal, but the arguments against it are a bit too damning.
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