After weeks of trade rumors, the Eagles officially parted ways with DeSean Jackson today, releasing him after they couldn’t find a satisfactory deal. In the wake of the move and a report from NJ.com that suggested the team was concerned about the receiver’s possible gang ties, Jackson has issued a statement, as ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter details. It reads, in part:
“I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible.”
As Jackson works to clear his name and assuage the concerns of potential suitors, here’s a round-up of several links related to his release:
- At least four teams reached out to agent Joel Segal within a half-hour of Jackson being released, according to Schefter (via Twitter), who says talks are ongoing. Schefter added in a later tweet that the number of clubs inquiring on Jackson is now up to six and counting.
- It’s not entirely clear yet which teams are in the mix for Jackson, but several writers expressed a belief that the Seahawks will be in the mix (all Twitter links).
- Based on a conversation he had recently with a Redskins source, John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link) would be “shocked” if Washington pursued Jackson.
- Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer says not to expect the Panthers to pursue Jackson, but head coach Ron Rivera tells Jim Corbett of USA Today that his team might have some interest. “He’s an intriguing player and we’ll take a look at him,” Rivera said.
- The Chiefs don’t appear to be a serious contender for Jackson, tweets Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star.
- Given their track record of giving players second chances, the Bills could emerge as a candidate for Jackson, suggests Tim Graham of the Buffalo News.
- According to Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter), the Eagles didn’t previously know about the contents of NJ.com’s report until this week. Albert Breer of the NFL Network and Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News both suggest (Twitter links) the NJ.com story didn’t make the Eagles decide to release Jackson, but it certainly accelerated the process.
- Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com looks at the move from a financial perspective, estimating what sort of salary Jackson might be looking at on a new deal.
- A league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Eagles didn’t designate Jackson as a post-June 1 cut, so it’ll be a $6MM cap hit for the team this year.
- Florio also notes that wide receiver Mike Evans said today that he’ll be visiting the Eagles soon. Evans isn’t likely to be on the board at No. 22 for Philadelphia, but the Eagles’ apparent interest shows they’ll consider drafting a receiver.