As Tuesday's NFL trade deadline was coming to an end, the Los Angeles Rams made a surprise move by waiving veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson and the Rams agreed to seek a trade by the deadline, but due to a lack of demand for the 34-year-old speedster, Jackson was waived instead.
This season Jackson has 221 receiving yards on eight receptions. The Rams have buried him in a crowded wide receivers room with players like Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods getting most of the targets.
On a 75-yard touchdown catch in Week 3 against the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jackson showed that he is still more than capable of stretching the field. He also had a 68-yard catch against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Jackson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Some San Francisco 49ers fans still feel like their team missed out on selecting Jackson in the second round. Instead, the 49ers selected guard Chilo Rachal with the 39th pick in the draft. Fans have watched from afar as Jackson displayed his speed and big-play ability through the years, wondering what the state of the franchise might look like with his talents on the team.
Jackson's presence could be a big boost to a 49ers offense that many believe has lacked an identity this year. His veteran presence and deep-threat ability could solidify the wide receiver room, which would open up opportunities for the run game and one-on-one matchups for Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. In addition, with the possible return of tight end George Kittle coming within the next week, the 49ers could have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
Other teams interested in Jackson's talents could include the Atlanta Falcons, who lost their star receiver, Calvin Ridley, for the season for personal reasons. The Kansas City Chiefs, desperate to get their offense going after struggling for much of the season, could also express interest.
Jackson will appear on Wednesday's waiver wire and could easily be available for the 49ers to snag him up.