The Raiders have agreed to a contract with DeSean Jackson, and I like the fit. They’re in need of another receiver who can get down the field, and Jackson can help them there.
Neither Bryan Edwards nor Zay Jones made much of an impact in the first game without Henry Ruggs, catching only 1 of the 8 passes thrown their way. So room, I think, for another receiver with the ability to hit on some long catches.
Derek Carr is throwing deep now like he never has in the past. Thus far he’s got three receivers who are averaging over 19 yards per catch – Ruggs, Edwards and Jones. Those deep balls help to open up the entire offense.
At 34, of course, Jackson isn’t quite the gamebreaker he’s been in the past, but he’s had catches over 50 yards four years in a row. With the Rams, he had a 75-yard touchdown against the Bucs and a 68-yard catch against the Seahawks. If they work him into a rotation with Jones and Edwards, I would think Jackson will contribute long, impactful catches in a couple of games while helping to keep those guys fresh. He might help swing a game or two.
In his career, Jackson has caught 28 touchdowns from over 50 yards. In the Super Bowl era, only Jerry Rice has caught more, and only 15 other players have even half as many.
| TD CATCHES FROM 50-PLUS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Years | Player | No |
| 1985-00 | Jerry Rice | 36 |
| 2009-21 | DeSean Jackson | 28 |
| 1998-09 | Randy Moss | 28 |
| 1997-10 | Terrell Owens | 27 |
| 1971-81 | Ken Burrough | 21 |
| 2003-16 | Steve Smith | 20 |
| 1971-80 | Mel Gray | 20 |
| 1977-89 | Stanley Morgan | 19 |
| 1978-91 | James Lofton | 17 |
| 1966-71 | Bob Hayes | 17 |
| 2003-12 | Santana Moss | 16 |
| 1995-07 | Joey Galloway | 16 |
| 1998-08 | Marvin Harrison | 15 |
| 1983-91 | Willie Gault | 15 |
| 1977-88 | Wesley Walker | 15 |
| 1966-69 | Homer Jones | 15 |
| 2010-14 | Jordy Nelson | 14 |
| 1983-92 | Mark Duper | 14 |
Statistics compiled using search tools at Pro-Football-Reference.com
—Ian Allan