Could DeSean Hold Out for a New Deal?

Over the last year, Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson has made it known that he wants a new contract. But the Eagles always had an excuse to hide behind: the rules under the old collective bargaining agreement made it difficult to structure a new deal.

Now, with a new CBA signed and players supposed to report to their teams by Wednesday, Jackson might not go along unless the Eagles hold up their end of the bargain. QB Michael Vick, talking to the media outside the Novacare Complex on Tuesday, suggested that Jackson might not show when players go to training camp.

"We're trying to figure out what's going to happen. Hopefully, he'll be here tomorrow," Vick said. "DeSean just has some things to think about and some decisions to make that only himself can make ... It's all in what DeSean wants. So, we're rooting for him, hopefully he'll be here, and I think he will."

The Eagles should have plenty of space under the salary cap to give Jackson -- who is a Drew Rosenhaus client -- a new deal. And DeSean is certainly underpaid. He is scheduled to make less money than long snapper Jon Dorenbos in 2011.

However, the front office can't be happy with the potential distraction as they try to simultaneously sign free agents, trade Kevin Kolb, negotiate contracts with draft picks, and open up training camp at Lehigh. Both sides want to make a deal, but DeSean wants it done right now, and the Eagles probably don't want to talk until after training camp gets underway.

Still, perhaps Jackson will report for camp on Wednesday after all. The crisis will be averted, and everyone can go back to covering the start of football again.

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