Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

The Philadelphia Eagles have placed their franchise tag on wide receiver DeSean Jackson, the team announced Thursday.

The deadline for teams to use their franchise tags is Monday, March 5. He was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on March 13, when the period for transactions begins at 4 p.m. ET.

“We want DeSean to be an Eagle for the long haul and this is a step in the right direction to accomplish that,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement. “DeSean is a talented player and a proven playmaker in this league and we look forward to him continuing his career in Philadelphia. It’s our understanding that he has the same desire. We will continue our efforts on getting a long-term deal done with him.”

Jackson had a tumultuous 2011 season. He held out for a new contract in training camp, was deactivated for a game for disciplinary reasons and his production slipped.

The 25-year-old receiver finished last season with 58 catches, 961 yards and four touchdowns.

The four-year veteran averaged 57 receptions, 1,041 yards and six TDs in his first three seasons to go along with three TDs rushing and four on punt returns.

–ESPN