DeSean Jackson stays dry at Super Bowl by talking contract

MIAMI - It rained like crazy yesterday in South Florida, steady and relentless until after the sun went down. South Beach was deserted all afternoon, to the point where restaurant hosts turned into salespeople offering discounts on lunch and drinks just to lure customers.

Across from the famed, albeit desolate, Ocean Drive, ESPN and the NFL Network have set up shop on the grassy knoll that leads to the sand and the surf. They are monstrous sets, and yesterday, they were extremely wet ones, too, with plastic tarps unable to keep the water off.

DeSean Jackson found himself on ESPN's set for the Jim Rome Is Burning show yesterday. In his segment on the show, he talked about his desire for a new contract and quarterback Donovan McNabb, among other things. It wasn't earth-shattering stuff to those who have followed the wide receiver closely in Philadelphia, but this much was clear:

When Jackson had another opportunity to back up McNabb, he did not, not to Rome and not while chatting with me afterward. And while it's clear that Jackson wants a new deal, he told me he didn't think he'd get one now, because with two years left on his rookie contract, the Eagles are not obligated to renegotiate.

After his interview with Rome, Jackson sat off-camera for more than 10 minutes, protected from the rain that was swirling around him. It was a fitting metaphor, because Jackson could start a storm of his own. He laughed at the thought, then shook his head. He's flamboyant, yes, but he's no fool.

Jackson said he's planning on staying in South Florida through the Super Bowl. Then, just like that, he was off in a tan Yukon, tearing through the rain.