Philadelphia reacquired DeSean Jackson and a 2020…
Philadelphia reacquired DeSean Jackson and a 2020 seventh-round pick for a sixth-round selection. Jackson delivered explosive moments, including a huge opening game in 2019, but injuries limited his availability during both seasons of the reunion. Tampa Bay used the pick on Scotty Miller, who became a low-cost contributor on a championship team, giving the Buccaneers the slightly stronger realized return.
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- player DeSean Jackson
- pick 2020 7th round pick (228th overall subsequently traded, Sterling Hofrichter)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- pick 2019 6th round pick (208th overall, Scott Miller)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Tampa Bay sent DeSean Jackson and a 2020 seventh-round pick to Philadelphia for the 208th selection in the 2019 draft. The Buccaneers used that sixth-rounder on Bowling Green receiver Scotty Miller. Philadelphia brought back one of the most explosive receivers in franchise history and soon extended Jackson, while Tampa Bay gained cap flexibility and cleared a larger role for Chris Godwin in Bruce Arians' offense.
Why Tampa Bay Gained the Edge
Jackson's return produced memorable flashes, most notably a huge performance in the 2019 opener, but injuries prevented the reunion from becoming what Philadelphia envisioned. He appeared in only a small number of games across the next two seasons before the Eagles moved on. Miller was never a volume receiver, yet he gave Tampa Bay inexpensive speed and became a useful complementary piece. His deep catch before halftime of the 2020 NFC Championship Game became one of the signature plays of the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV run.
How the Deal Aged
Philadelphia's gamble was understandable because the acquisition cost was low and Jackson's skill set directly addressed a need for vertical speed. The seventh-round pick also returned some draft value to the Eagles. Still, availability is central when grading a veteran acquisition, and Jackson simply was not healthy enough to provide sustained production. Tampa Bay received a younger contributor on a rookie contract, created financial room and shifted targets toward Godwin, who emerged as a major offensive piece.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay wins narrowly with a B, while Philadelphia earns a C+. The Eagles paid little and received some spectacular moments, so this was not a damaging trade. The Buccaneers, however, got more usable seasons from Miller and benefited from the roster and cap transition that accompanied Jackson's departure.