DeSean goes to DeNation’s Capital

Fans in Eagles green are seeing red—in more ways than one—after DeSean Jackson agreed to a deal with the Washington Redskins on Tuesday. The NFC East wasn’t really in need of additional storylines, but you can bet ESPN will have plenty to say about the defection in the weeks leading up to the twice-yearly matchup between the rivals.

As for fantasy implications, well, there’s not a ton to see here.

Sure, DeSean Jackson’s stock goes down a bit, if only because he set or tied career marks in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in year one of Chip Kelly’s reign and no longer has the Eagles offense to bolster his numbers. But Jackson put up his stats without Jeremy Maclin around due to injury, which shouldn’t be discounted. With Maclin back and Riley Cooper having proved that you don’t need to be an elite receiver to help Philly’s passing attack—or your fantasy roster—Jackson’s numbers were destined to drop anyway.

Maybe they fall further now since this move serves to open up the rest of the field for Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed. Robert Griffin III has the arm to throw deep shots Jackson’s way, but Washington’s offense doesn’t operate like its rival. The Eagles were one of five teams to run the ball at least 500 times last year, and their 508 passing attempts were more than only five teams. Washington, meanwhile, attempted 611 passes to go with their 453 rush attempts. Those extra 100 balls are nice, but all of Griffin’s top targets from 2013 are back for the 2014 season — and so is former Arizona Cardinal wideout Andre Roberts. Even if there’s an uptick in passing, Jackson’s got to pull those looks away from others—there aren’t 85 balls just waiting to be caught.

Fortunately, after Garcon and Reed there wasn’t much to be had from Washington’s receivers as fantasy contributors to begin with, so Jackson’s arrival doesn’t damage anyone’s deep dynasty roster. As for the Eagles, Maclin’s knee must be good enough for Philly to feel it didn’t need Jackson around. That confidence coupled with Jackson’s departure certainly boosts Maclin’s stock as a comeback player for 2014. Cooper’s stock goes up a bit as he’ll likely be the de facto number one at least to start the season while Maclin gets up to speed. But even as the No. 2, Cooper was plenty helpful to begin with. Plus, the addition of Darren Sproles gives the offense yet another weapon in the passing game when it chooses to throw the ball, mitigating the loss of Jackson even more.

So all in all, this is going to be fun for Eagles and Redskins fans to yell about, and ESPN will pump plenty of air time into fueling that fire, but fantasy owners need not be disturbed by all the yelling.

Editor’s note: For brief thoughts on the fantasy ramifications of many offseason moves, click here.

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