LA Rams trade of DeSean Jackson will reshape NFL playoff picture

Fed Ex can ship overnight

Well, we have talked about the Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars as two teams who have intriguing players who might be part of a mutually beneficial trade package. We’d cited those two teams already, because the Rams could benefit from acquiring Packers defensive back Rasul Douglas (we published the article before Thursday Night Football heroics) and because the Jaguars on in the market for a speedy outside receiver and the Rams would love to acquire ILB Myles Jack for their playoff run.

Mike Florio and Peter King talked about potential landing spots for the veteran wide receiver in free agency back in February 2021.  While a bit dated, they cited the Indianapolis Colts as the team to watch. They may be the team to watch again.

Of course, it will depend upon the team that offers the LA Rams the best compensation package and which team remains interested.

The Indianapolis Colts are an intriguing team, as they have a 3-4 record despite a shaky start, and the addition of DeSean Jackson could stabilize their receivers to the point that they could make a bona fide playoff run as they so often do. Curiously, the Colts have a player of their own who wants to be traded by the name of Marlon Mack.

Mack is a running back who is recovering from an Achilles tendon injury who could be an excellent locker room presence as the Rams work with the return of running back Cam Akers, who has himself suffered an Achilles Tendon injury. Mack was projected to be a perennial 1K yard rusher before he was injured. In the meantime, the Colts have since moved on, having fewer opportunities for Mack to carry the football.

Another possible team is the Kansas City Chiefs, where Jackson could reunite with the head coach who drafted him, Andy Reid. Jackson’s speed would be an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ offense, as their offense is built to beat defenses deep downfield. The Rams could trade Jackson for former center Austin Blythe and a late-round draft pick.

Another team who would certainly instantly benefit is the LA Chargers. The Chargers’ offense is lacking a deep threat, and DeSean Jackson could instantly provide one. In return, the Rams would benefit from adding KR Justin Jackson and a late-round draft pick.

Finally, another AFC team that would benefit is the Tennessee Titans. They are a perennial playoff team in need of wide receiver help, and DeSean Jackson could flourish in that run-heavy offense. In return, the Rams may request ILB Rashaan Evans. Evans is a former first-round drafted player who is not playing up to his potential in the Titans’ defense. A change of scenery could do him a world of good.

Wherever DeSean Jackson ends up, the LA Rams trade will most definitely reshape the 2021 NFL playoff picture. It’s difficult to say that this is a good move for the Rams because it feels very much like an intermediate step.  The LA Rams will not improve by trading away DeSean Jackson. But perhaps what trading Jackson will allow the team to do next may make it all worthwhile.