After a series of roster moves, the Philadelphia Eagles’ have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
Two days ago, it was reported that wide receiver Alshon Jeffery will be released before the start of the new league year. The Philadelphia Eagles have yet to make this official. However, Jeffery’s looming fate likely means that the Eagles will also be expected to release defensive tackle Malik Jackson.
THE RESTRUCTURED CONTRACT SCHEME
Earlier this year, the Eagles restructured Malik Jackson’s contract to make up for an overwhelming salary cap, that was $52 million in excess entering 2021. The same was done for Jeffery. However, the terms came with the intent to cut both players in the weeks ahead.
Jackson’s initial contract terms for 2021:
- Base salary: $9 million
- Roster bonus: $1 million
- Cap hit: $12,644,000
Restructured contract terms for 2021 (according to Spotrac):
- Base salary: $1,811,000
- Roster bonus: $0
- Cap hit: $4,686,000
- Cap space savings: $8 million
With Jackson’s new restructured contract, general manager Howie Roseman was able to save the Eagles $8 million in cap space. These savings account for the $7 million salary decrease and the $1 million bonus he will no longer receive.
The plan now is to cut Jackson with a post-June 1 designation. His release will leave just over $3.6 million in dead money but will save an additional $2 million.
If Jackson is not cut at the start of the league year, a $25 million guaranteed salary will be activated in 2022.
DÉJÀ VU FOR JACKSON
Unfortunately for Malik Jackson, this isn’t the first time the salary cap determined his employment in the NFL.
Before signing with the Eagles, Jackson played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016-2019. He signed a six-year, $85.5 million contract with $31.5 million guaranteed but was released from the team due to salary cap issues.
Jackson ended his stint with the Jaguars totaling 105 combined tackles and 18 sacks, and there were high hopes for him as he joined the Eagles. The excitement regarding his position, which would complement Fletcher Cox, did not play out as imagined.
During the season-opener in 2019, Jackson suffered a Lisfranc injury and was placed on the injured reserve list. He was unable to complete one full game and did not return until the 2020 season.
Although Jackson expected to be ready for the 2020 season, he suffered a quadriceps injury early on, bouncing back and forth between limited and full participation. He later suffered a concussion against the New Orleans Saints.
He finished the season with 28 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble in 15 games. Other than his rookie year in 2012, it was the lowest tackle total of his career.
MALIK JACKSON’S EXPECTED RELEASE
With the expectation that Malik Jackson will be released next month, he will join wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, as well as DeSean Jackson (who was also released this week) in free agency. All three players, although in their thirties, will likely be seen elsewhere in the NFL next season.
