Jackson & Garcon will get a lot of FA attention around the league

DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon are probably done in Washington

Rick Snider

https://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2017/02/22/desean-jackson-and-pierre-garcon-are-probably-done-in-washington/?utm_term=.6982b2349625

If Pierre Garcon’s Instagram account is any indication, the Redskins’ wide receiving corps may soon be short-handed.

Garcon this week posted “YallHiring?” on social media, stoking speculation over his upcoming free agency. On a podcast with ESPN’s Adam Schefter this week, DeSean Jackson talked about the potential “great story ending” of a return to the Eagles when the league year begins March 9.

Instead of debating which top receiver Washington should retain, the team could find itself without both. That prospect might not make quarterback Kirk Cousins eager to sign a long-term deal, either.

[If the Redskins have honest intentions, they shouldn’t franchise tag Kirk Cousins]

Garcon and Jackson, both 30, have said previously they would like to stay. That sounds swell until outside bidders dangle what could be the last big-money contracts of their careers.

For their part, the Redskins would like to keep both.

Jackson stretches defenses like few NFL players. He had 56 catches in two of the past three years with Washington, topping 1,000 yards each time.

Garcon has been a leader during five seasons in Washington with a team-record 113 catches in 2013. He had 1,041 yards on 79 catches in 2016, and when the Redskins needed a first down, they often looked his way.

The Redskins are also at risk of losing two fellow unrestricted free agents, defensive lineman Chris Baker and tight end Vernon Davis, and a restricted one in tailback Chris Thompson. This spring could bring the biggest loss for Washington since free agency began in 1992, and that’s not factoring in a potential exit for Cousins if he doesn’t get the franchise tag.

If the Redskins give Cousins the tag for $24 million this year, they might not be able to afford the blockbuster deal Jackson is seeking.

Jackson is dinged up too often and has caught 60 balls just once in the past seven seasons. With expected suitors such as the Eagles, Rams and Buccaneers, Washington may balk at his price tag.

Garcon wants a longer contract than the Redskins can give him. Receivers tend to slow down around age 30, so the team would likely prefer a two-year deal rather than the four-year contract Garcon would want. Three years would be a compromise, but other clubs could inflate the bidding.

What does Washington do if it loses both receivers? Pray Josh Doctson gets healthy after the first-rounder played only 31 snaps last season with Achilles problems. Maybe pick a receiver in the first round for the second straight year despite a defense desperately needing linemen. Perhaps rely more on tight end Jordan Reed and Thompson, who combined for 115 catches last season. Definitely promote Jamison Crowder to the No. 1 role after he hauled in 126 receptions and nine touchdowns in his first two years.

Washington could also go shopping. Kenny Stills, Kendall Wright and Brian Quick are all 27 or younger and slated to become free agents, but they’ll be pricey.

It won’t take long for the Redskins to know their options. Most likely, Jackson and Garcon won’t be among them