Eagles release wide receiver DeSean Jackson
The Eagles dropped a bombshell Friday afternoon when they released wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he caught 82 passes for 1332 yards and 9 TDs. The Eagles reportedly explored compensation from other teams around the league via trade, but Jackson’s outright release comes as a surprise.
"After careful consideration over this offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today," the team said in a statement.
Jackson released the following statement:
First I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly. I would also like to thank coach Andy Reid for bringing me in.
Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. 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.
I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need.
It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true . I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless.
Offensive lineman Jason Kelce tweeted the following after the Eagles' announcement:
Some within the Eagles organization felt that Jackson was not a fit in the locker room culture that Chip Kelly was trying to cultivate. There were also other warning signs that Jackson could be on his way out as an Eagle. After urgently re-signing Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, and then releasing wide receiver Jason Avant, the Eagles’ salary cap number at the wide receiver position reached a total of over $25 million. That total was second only to the Miami Dolphins, and nearly double the league average.
Jackson was one of the most electrifying players in Eagles history. Since he entered the league, he was a big-play threat any time he touched the football. The most famous of his thrilling moments was a walk-off punt return against the New York Giants, during a game in which the Eagles scored 28 unanswered points at the MetLife Stadium, in what is now known as the Miracle at the Meadowlands II (or III).
Jackson had his best season in 2013 and was the Eagles’ most productive receiver.
With Jackson gone, the remaining wide receivers on the Eagles roster are Maclin, Cooper, Arrelious Benn, Brad Smith, Damaris Johnson, Jeff Maehl, Will Murphy, B.J. Cunningham, and Ifeanyi Momah.
