Philadelphia Eagles have released Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
The Eagles issued this statement on Twitter: “After carefully consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part wats with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today.”
Jackson was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times, including the 2013 season. Two years ago, he signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $51 million. He was due to make $10.5 million in 2014.
The receiver was rumored to have been on the trading blocks for weeks amist reports of differences between him and head coach Chip Kelly. However it was reported as recently as Tuesday by the Philadelphia Inquirer that Jackson told some teammates that he was not getting traded after his conversation with Kelly. Kelly acknowledged during the NFL owners’ meetings that he indeed had a talk with Jackson but added that, “we’re always going to do what’s best for the organization.”
Jackson, 27, was coming off his best season as a pro. He set career highs in receptions (82) and yards (1,332) and tied his career best with nine touchdowns in 2013 – his first under Kelly.
Reports surfaced today that DeSean Jackson’s gang connections may have played a part in his release.
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