Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he didn't give a full effort last season because he didn't want to get injured before signing a new contract.
When asked about instances when his effort was questioned, Jackson said: "I let it get to me, even though I tried not to let it. I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt -- now I'm just giving it all."
After receiving the Eagles' franchise tender, Jackson signed a five-year, $51 million extension with $15 million guaranteed in March. Jackson said he was "happy to finally get the contract. I felt with what I had done for the team, I deserved it."
Jackson sought a contract extension last year and held out the first 11 days of training camp. During the season, Jackson was deactivated for a Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals and benched during a Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots.
He finished with 961 receiving yards, his lowest total since his 2008 rookie season, and averaged a career-low 6.7 yards on punt returns.