Ravens Personnel Have High Hopes For DeSean Jackson After Joining Team

The Baltimore Ravens' decision to sign 35-year-old wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been met with more criticism than praise, but the team is more than happy to have him – even though he is only on the practice squad for now.

Ahead of their Week 7 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, both coaches and players spoke to the media in a wave of press conferences and the question of Jackson joining the team inevitably came up.

Head coach John Harbaugh said that the veteran receiver looked good and in shape but played his cards close to his chest when asked about him playing on Sunday, October 23 if things progress quickly.

"It was awesome. He looked like the DeSean [Jackson] when he first got to the league, got introduced to the league. [He's] still floating around, running great routes. I'm excited," quarterback and former MVP Lamar Jackson said.

"I feel like guys are going to have to play him off because he's still flying. Even though it's Year 15 for him, it looks like Year One. He's going to bring a lot to the table for us; we're just going to have to see if he gets out there."

Jackson, the receiver not the quarterback, has been in the NFL since 2008 and made his name on the game as one of the most explosive receivers in the game as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

He would go on to achieve five 1,000-yard seasons, but would also be subject to a ton of injuries throughout his career.

After spending his first six seasons in Philly, Jackson would make some stops with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a second stint with the Eagles before splitting time with the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Rams.

Despite asking for his release in November, Jackson was awarded with his first Super Bowl ring when the Rams came out victorious against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

Ravens fans had violent reactions to Jackson being signed since they believed that he was not going to be the answer to their problems – particularly on the defensive side.

Rashod Bateman, currently sidelined due to a foot injury, seemingly hinted at his discontent with the signing with a now-deleted "lol" tweet.

While Ravens fans' sentiment is understandable, Jackson is not expected to take over anyone's role on the team since he is already a veteran and he cannot put up big numbers anymore.

However, Harbaugh could use him as a deep-threat decoy similar to how they mainly utilized Marquise "Hollywood" Brown last season.

With Jackson on the practice squad for now, his experience and veteran leadership is going to play a role behind the scenes, especially in mentoring the younger guys.