Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson was officially given the franchise tag by the team on Thursday.

Eagles place franchise tag on WR DeSean Jackson.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2012

This move should not come as a surprise. There was some speculation about whether the team would slap the franchise tag on Jackson and still trade him. However, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Thursday:

#Eagles GM Howie Roseman says "We want DeSean to be an Eagle for the long haul and this is a step in the right direction to accomplish that"

— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) March 1, 2012

Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl wide out, has played his entire career with the Eagles since being drafted in 2008. Jackson has made 229 career receptions for 4,085 yards and 21 touchdowns for Philadelphia. Jackson has also rushed for three touchdowns and scored four touchdowns on punt returns.

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