Redskins sign DeSean Jackson

WASHINGTON — In a matter of days, DeSean Jackson went from unwanted to wanted, from fired to hired, from discarded by the Philadelphia Eagles with reputation tarnished to rock star treatment and a new fat contract from the Washington Redskins.

Concerns about work ethic, attitude and reports about gang activity seemed miles away when he was being wooed by Robert Griffin III or enjoying his recruiting-style evening out with cornerback DeAngelo Hall, receiver Pierre Garcon and rapper Wale.

Jackson closed the deal Wednesday, signing a three-year, $24 million contract that includes $16 million guaranteed. The terms were disclosed by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Redskins did not announce the financial details.

Clowney impresses at pro day

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Jadeveon Clowney believes he’s the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick and says he took a big step toward that goal during South Carolina’s pro day workouts.

The 6-foot-5, 266-pound defensive end did position drills in front of dozens of NFL personnel, including Houston head coach Bill O’Brien and Jacksonville head coach Gus Bradley.

“Yes, I do feel like I should be the first pick,” Clowney said after the session.

Clowney did not lift weights or run the 40-yard dash, standing on his combine showings when he did 21 reps at 225 pounds and clocked 4.53 seconds.

Rays ink pitcher Archer to 6-year deal

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays agreed to a long-term contract with another of their young pitchers, giving Chris Archer a $25.5 million, six-year deal.

The contract includes club options for 2020 and 2021 that could raise the value to $43.75 million.

The 25-year-old right-hander went 9-7 with a 3.22 ERA in 23 starts as a rookie last season. He’s scheduled to make his first start of the season Thursday against Toronto.

Rangers’ Darvish close to return

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The Texas Rangers say ace Yu Darvish is set to make his first start of the season Sunday at Tampa Bay.

Manager Ron Washington said Darvish is as strong as he was before the neck stiffness that kept the pitcher from throwing for two weeks. Darvish was placed on the disabled list to start the season, though the move was retroactive to March 21, making the right-hander eligible to be activated this weekend.

Blackhawks’ Toews out until playoffs

CHICAGO (AP) — Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will miss the rest of the regular season with an upper-body injury.

The team said that coach Joel Quenneville expects Toews to be “100 percent” for the playoffs.

NBA ref Bavetta sets record streak

NEW YORK (AP) — NBA referee Dick Bavetta worked his 2,633rd consecutive game assignment, an ironman streak even longer than the one compiled by baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.

Bavetta worked the game between the Knicks and Nets at Madison Square Garden, where he began his career in 1975, extending a streak during which he has never missed an assignment. He chalked up his streak to good health, a dedication he said all officials shared, and a fear of inconveniencing someone else if he had to take a day off.