The end of the NFL Lockout and the return of football also brings back everybody's favorite part of the business: training camp holdouts. While teams are signing undrafted free agents at a frenzied pace, NFL veterans and rookies are reporting to team facilities for voluntary workouts. At Eagles camp, Michael Vick arrived and was asked whether star wide receiver DeSean Jackson would be arriving for the start of training camp on Wednesday. Vick's response would suggest Jackson is considering a holdout:
"Hopefully, he'll be here tomorrow," Vick said as he was surrounded by a throng of reporters. "DeSean just has some things to think about and some decisions to make that only himself can make."
"I'm just being realistic about the situation," Vick said. "It's all in what DeSean wants. We're moving forward and hopefully he'll be here. I think he will."
Jackson is in the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him $565,000. There were previous issues with regards to the old 30% rule, but the new CBA gives the Eagles some room to work on an extension for Jackson.
Considering Jackson has earned two Pro Bowl nods and been honored for his play as both a receiver and a return man, it is not surprising he wants a deal before he hits free agency. In three seasons Jackson has compiled 171 receptions for 3,124 yards, averaging a filthy 18.3 yards per reception. He has scored 24 touchdowns, including 17 receiving, four returning and three rushing. After his play-making days at Cal, the receiver many thought was too small to survive the NFL has become a star.
As Bleeding Green Nation pointed out, the lockout has been over for less than 24 hours so they are hoping cooler heads will prevail and Jackson will get into camp. In the meantime, check here for more updates and Bleeding Green Nation for further details on this developing story.