Tim McManus wrote this morning that DeSean Jaccson would be interested in returning to the Eagles. It had been reported that Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson were interested in signing Jaccson in the offseason as part of yet another effort to return to the glory of the Andy Reid years.

Here’s what McManus wrote about DeSean’s level of interest… or, if you prefer, 30-year-old wide receiver is thrilled that predictable organization is so painfully transparent and tipping its hand before the season is over:

A source close to DeSean Jackson believes the wide receiver would be “intrigued” by a possible return to Philadelphia, and that the Eagles will be in the conversation this offseason should Jackson hit the open market.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Eagles are likely to pursue a reunion with Jackson, who is in the final year of his contract with the Washington Redskins. The Eagles and Redskins meet Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.

Problem: DeSean is getting older, and though wide receivers typically don’t decline as quickly as running backs, he’s lost some of his explosiveness, which was his main attribute.

DeSean seems to have matured and is still better than any option the Eagles have right now, but this seems like painfully familiar Ruben Amaro-Paul Holmgren like interest from the Eagles.

Has D-Jac really declined all that much? Let’s go to the charts Jim put together:


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Ironically, DeSean had his best season – by far – under Chip Kelly in 2013. He was hurt last year and in 2012, so the best gauge for how much he’s dropped off is the 11 games he’s played this season. His receptions are fine, but his average yards per catch are down, due somewhat to his relative lack of big plays, an obvious sign of declining speed and age. What’s even more concerning is that DeSean’s best game this season came in Week 1, when he had six receptions (a season-high) and 106 yards. He’s been a very average receiver since then. There’s not some massive dip, and D-Jac is still a useful wide receiver, but in what role? He’s no longer the deep threat he once was, and as a possession receiver, something he was never good at anyway, at his size and age he won’t last long. And he was never a red zone target. But he wins the Ruben Amaro hey, I heard of that guy award, which I guess is all that matters.