Contrary to a report from 6abc.com in Philly, we’re told that Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson does not intend to end his holdout without a new contract on Monday or Tuesday.
Jackson faces fines in the amount of $30,000 per day for holding out while under contract. If anything, the events of the past few days -- featuring big-money contracts given by the Eagles to cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive end Jason Babin, and defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins -- would tend to make DeSean’s resolve to get his new contract even stronger.
A real question remains regarding the date on which Jackson would lose a year of credit toward free agency. The Transition Rules approved last week by the NFLPA provide that any player under contract must show up 23 days after the start of the 2011 League Year, which would put the deadline in late August. However, the official NFL calendar identifies the deadline as August 9. We asked the NFL for clarification on Thursday, and we’re waiting for a final answer.
If Jackson doesn’t show up in time to get a year of credit toward free agency, it won’t matter if he fulfills the final year of his contract by showing up before Week 10. Next March, he would have only three years of service toward free agency, and he would be a restricted free agent.
Thus, whatever the deadline for getting a year of credit toward free agency, it’s safe to say that Jackson will show up by then.
UPDATE: Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com reports, citing a team official, that Jackson plans to end his holdout “really soon.” Though Jackson could change his mind at any time, his intention as of Sunday night was to not report, absent a new deal.