Jackson, 34, was willing to stay with the Rams, but Rams opted to move on

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32535468/sources-los-angeles-rams-expected-waive-veteran-wr-desean-jackson

Los Angeles Rams waive veteran WR DeSean Jackson

Lindsey ThiryESPN

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams waived wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Tuesday.

Both Jackson and the Rams explored trade possibilities but nothing came together before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Jackson, 34, was willing to stay with the Rams, sources said, but the team opted to move on.

Jackson’s $2.75 million salary is guaranteed, so if he clears waivers the Rams would be on the hook for most of his contract, subject to offsets on a deal with a new team.

Following Jackson’s release, Rams general manager Les Snead expressed disappointment that the veteran receiver’s short time with the organization did not work out.

“I’m not going to give it a grade. One came to mind, but that would probably be the headlines, right?” Snead said. “Obviously it was an experiment that we attempted. It didn’t work out as well as we wanted it to, as DeSean wanted it to, as even Sean [McVay] wanted it to, especially those two because they have a relationship that probably goes, it does, I know for a fact, it goes deeper than football. Didn’t work out for us and that is why we somewhat wanted to move in this direction and come up with a win-win in this situation.”

Jackson posted on Instagram: “I am very grateful for the time that I spent playing for the LA Rams. Although this isn’t the outcome that we wanted, I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity & support given to me by the Rams Coaches & all of the Fans. I understand that everything happens for a reason & I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career.”

In need of a deep threat, the Rams signed Jackson to a one-year deal in the offseason. His decision to sign with the Rams reunited him with McVay, who was among Jackson’s coaches with the Washington Football Team, and it served as a homecoming for the Los Angeles-born veteran who expressed an eagerness to win a Super Bowl in his hometown.

But the 14-year pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection has been used sparingly through the Rams’ 7-1 start, catching eight passes for 221 yards and a touchdown.

The Rams offense behind quarterback Matthew Stafford has featured the NFL’s leading receiver in Cooper Kupp, who has 924 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as veteran Robert Woods and second-year pro Van Jefferson.

However, Jackson’s departure, coupled with rookie receiver Tutu Atwell being placed on injured reserve Tuesday as shoulder surgery ends his season, leaves the Rams thin at the position. The only remaining reserve receiver is rookie Ben Skowronek, a seventh-round pick from Notre Dame.

Snead said the team was working through how to address any depth concern, whether by promoting a player or looking outside the organization.

“We’re still discussing that internally because there’s some options that we have internally and how Sean’s going to use them in the offense and how Joe [DeCamillis] can use them on special teams,” Snead said when asked how depth concerns would be addressed. “We got to walk through that and Sean is aware with our top three, who are playing very well right now, how to — let’s call it, I don’t want to call it a pitch count, per se — but manage some of their load.”