The Baltimore Ravens, desperate for wide receiver depth, have signed veteran DeSean Jackson.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news Tuesday afternoon. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Ravens are signing veteran WR DeSean Jackson, his agent @DrewJRosenhaus confirmed. At 35, Jackson is back for his 15th NFL season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 18, 2022
The 35-year-old Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, gives the Ravens another deep threat along with speedsters Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay. Bateman has been out since Week 4 with an injured foot, although he is nearing a return.
One of the greatest game-breakers in NFL history, Jackson still flashed elite speed last season, notching several long pass plays with the Los Angeles Rams.
In 16 games last season with the Rams and Raiders, DeSean Jackson had 454 yards and two touchdowns.
He hit 20.9 mph on this 40-yard catch in Week 3, one of the fastest speeds in September. He turns 36 in December. pic.twitter.com/3Ib6NUFUJs
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 18, 2022
However, Jackson asked for his release midseason because he wanted more playing time. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders for the final nine games.
Between the two teams, he averaged 22.7 yards per reception on 20 catches.
For his career, Jackson has 632 catches for 11,110 yards and 66 total touchdowns, which include four rushing and four punt return scores.
As for Bateman, head coach John Harbaugh said this week he is “close” to returning.
“You guys are going to say, ‘You always say that,’ but he’s close. He’s close,” Harbaugh said (via BaltimoreRavens.com). “We’re close on a lot of guys. I’m looking forward to all those guys getting back. We’ll be talking about him this week, we’ll be talking about him on Thursday.”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.