Raiders agree to terms with DeSean Jackson

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Raiders have agreed to terms with wide receiver DeSean Jackson, it was learned Sunday.

The veteran speedster, who was recently cut by the Los Angeles Rams, will help fill the void left by Henry Ruggs.

The 34-year-old Jackson proved he can still be a long-ball threat with the Rams, catching eight passes for 221 yards and a touchdown.

The issue in L.A. wasn’t talent as much as it was a stacked Rams wide receiver corps.

That won’t be the case in Las Vegas, where Jackson should immediately see action as a replacement for Ruggs, who was released by the Raiders after being arrested for his involvement in a car crash that killed a 23-year-old Las Vegas woman. He faces charges of DUI resulting in death and reckless driving.

As the Raiders showed in a 23-16 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, they missed the long-ball aspect Ruggs added to their passing attack. Jackson should help restore that to their offense.

For his career, Jackson has 620 receptions for 10,877 yards and 57 touchdowns.

Jackson cleared waivers on Thursday.

By waiting to reel in Jackson after he cleared waivers, the Raiders avoided having to pay him the heavy portion of his contract.

Jackson’s $2.75 million salary this season was guaranteed by the Rams, who are now on the hook for the bulk of that total along with the handful of escalators tied into playing time that could push the number $1.75 million higher.

After being released by the Rams, Jackson thanked the team on a social media post.

“I am very grateful for the time that I spent playing for the LA Rams. Although this isn’t the outcome that we wanted, I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity & support given to me by the Rams Coaches & all of the Fans. I understand that everything happens for a reason & I look forward to beginning the next chapter of my NFL career.”

The Raiders could have chosen to pursue Odell Beckham Jr., who was released by the Browns on Friday. But it appears the possibility of losing out on Jackson and the help he can provide with his speed prompted them to sign Jackson instead

Coming to terms with Jackson on Sunday also means he should get a full week of practice ahead of the Raiders’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday night at Allegiant Stadium.

Jackson has been limited to just 15 games the last three seasons. But when he played 12 games in 2018, he had 41 receptions for 774 yards.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on Twitter.