After steering clear of the Eagles’ Training Camp at Lehigh University for 12 days, Pro-Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson is on track to report to camp on Monday. If Jackson held out past August 9, he would be eligible to lose his future status as an unrestricted free agent in 2012 due to rules in place by the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, so many expected the wideout to arrive in the near future, but reports—as well as Eagles QB Michael Vick—have indicated Jackson will, in fact, return to the field on Monday.
The Eagles seemingly made no effort to give Jackson what he’s been looking for—a new, big-money contract—but are reportedly willing to renegotiate his current deal if/when he reports to camp. Monday will be an important practice, as well, with it being the final full get-together for the team until the Eagles open their 2011 preseason schedule on Thursday. The Birds will still prepare for their game with other activities, but Monday is the last practice set to take place until the players make their debut at the Linc.
“I don’t know the details,” Vick reportedly said on Sunday, referring to Jackson’s anticipated return. “I just know he’ll be here…I can say he’s excited to be back.”
Jackson has been seeking a new contract since last offseason, and it’s understandable, considering the financial terms of his current contract, what fellow Pro-Bowl standouts around the league are making, and the contributions he’s made to the team since coming into the NFL as a second-round pick in 2008.