Jackson looking for fresh start with Denver
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Associated Press
Jackson struggled with San Francisco last season.
Darrell Jackson would be happy to consider his one year in San Francisco a mulligan.
So would the Broncos, if it means their latest free-agent receiver returns to the form that made him a consistent threat for the Seattle Seahawks for seven seasons that included three 1,000-yard performances.
Jackson visited town, took a physical and signed a one-year contract Wednesday with Denver, becoming the third wideout on the open market to join the Broncos, after Keary Colbert and Samie Parker.
The system in which Jackson played the majority of his career in Seattle is akin to the one in Denver, so a smooth transition is expected.
"I honestly think the only way this could be a better fit is if Darrell's first name was Brandon," Jackson's agent, Brian Mooney, said after signing off on the deal at Dove Valley. "Then you'd have three Brandons."
Jackson's mind-set is to settle comfortably between the other two Brandons - Marshall and Stokley - and earn the No. 2 receiver job. Colbert, especially, should provide competition, and his three-year, $7.2 million contract might give him the edge to start.
"In the end, I think Darrell will be the No. 2, but he doesn't take anything for granted," Mooney said.
Jackson was acquired by the 49ers a year ago for a fourth- round draft pick with the notion of heading San Francisco's pass- catching corps. But the eight- year pro struggled like the rest of the team's offense, catching 46 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns.
A new offensive coordinator with the 49ers, coupled with injuries to starting quarterback Alex Smith and backup Trent Dilfer, didn't help.
Mooney called it a "strange derivation" from the rest of Jackson's career results and an experience the player will look back upon as an odd diversion.
"I expect the Denver fans will see the real Darrell this fall," the agent said.
In his career, Jackson has caught 487 passes for 6,942 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Jackson's addition likely will keep the Broncos from taking a receiver high in the April 26-27 draft.
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April 17, 2008
3:40 a.m.
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jeeks99 writes:
Hell yeah why not ?
April 17, 2008
7:34 a.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
"I honestly think the only way this could be a better fit is if Darrell's first name was Brandon,"
Be careful what we wish for. The way things are going for the first Brandon, that may just happen :/
April 17, 2008
7:38 a.m.
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hdfresh writes:
Jackson should be a great fit for Denver. We will see how productive he is when the season starts though.
April 17, 2008
8:03 a.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
The proof will be in the pudding, but after seeing a few guys come and go who wanted to be handed the number 1 position without earning it, it's refreshing to see a guy with a desire to compete to be the second receiver.
April 17, 2008
11:12 a.m.
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Bronco6 writes:
Man, I can't wait.... Gooo Broncos
April 17, 2008
11:50 a.m.
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Kered writes:
Oh boy, yet another has been that will be here for a year and gone...how bout getting some fresh meat in here and grooming some players that will be around for years to come?! It's going to be another lackluster year in Bronco country...
April 17, 2008
12:10 p.m.
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TIMMAH writes:
Kered, you are the kind of ho-hum cry baby fan that is becoming more and more common these days. Jackson is still in his 20's and if he stays healthy, I see him being a big time threat, especially deep.
Lackluster is the word to describe how you watch the game at the stadium with your Shiraz in hand and corporate buddies at your side with your wife, Buffy telling you that she is too cold and would rather be at the spa.
April 17, 2008
1:40 p.m.
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RustyWon writes:
Darrell Jackson on a one year deal for low dollars is a great signing. Parker is not as good, but you never know, he may rise up against his old team if nothing else.
It seems like Shanahan is getting some depth and insurance in place before the draft. That makes sense to me.
We have stocked reasonable players at safety, linebacker, and wideout.
The only place we are really still exposed is O-line and D-line.
The draft will be full of those for the taking.
I still think Clady from Boise St. is our best bet. Of course the LB Rivers from USC, or the DL, Harvey, out of Florida would be good fits as well.
Go Broncos!
April 17, 2008
3:17 p.m.
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fleetmack writes:
i'm a die-hard seahawks fan; was upset to lose him to san fran last year. you bronco fans will like him as a receiver, this guy can play, last year was a fluke.
April 17, 2008
8:45 p.m.
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heavenlybronco writes:
I was born in Denver and moved away when I was 5. I have loved the Broncos and nobody else since then. I'm 36 now and look for new on the Broncos everyday. I read the news then look at all the comments. I've been quite for a long time. Now I'm pissed. Most of you are true fans. But some are just punks.... I remember when I was 7 and Denver lost it's first superbowl and those that followed. I never waivered. I loved watching them so much it never mattered. I lost 2 dollars in 1985 when I bet a kid in my gradeschool that the Broncos would beat the Bears!!! I was in the 6th grade. Did I have a chance? NO!! But I believed in my team. You know what?? They won 2 superbowls since and I'll stick with them until they win another one. Go Broncos!!!! All you other wanna be bronco fans can kiss my ars!! I'm tired of listening to your BS.
Thank you Bronco organization... I have enjoyed watching you for years and plan on many good ones in the future!!!!!!!!!!
April 18, 2008
9:42 a.m.
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countryboy writes:
heavenlybronco there is medication for you. Sports fans do not have to accept mediocrity, we all have the right to express our opinions.
April 18, 2008
2:49 p.m.
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Dosiv writes:
I wanted to post for one reason.The Broncos didn't play the 85 bears.
But I am looking forward to the competition between receivers.
Hopefully that will translate into some great depth in our receiving corp.
Also, I do agree with heavenlybronco that people complain about our team a bit much. I guess I'm just glad that every year we have hope at making the playoffs. We expect to make the playoffs. I'm not going to be too unhappy with that type of production. Think if you were a miami fan,You wouldn't have much hope for anything.
April 18, 2008
4:52 p.m.
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T1anda writes:
Also, we could be stuck with Norv Turner as our coach! Then the fairweather fans would really have something to gripe about!!
Gooooo Broncos!!!
April 19, 2008
12:21 p.m.
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Brain writes:
Getting Jackson means the Broncos won't need to waste either the 1st or 2nd round picks on a WR and still get another Jackson in the 4th (Dexter) to help on kick returns. Good p/u as long as he didn't cost a whole lot.
April 20, 2008
12:43 p.m.
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bronco844life writes:
None of you coach or own the team. Just armchair analysers.
Go. Broncos