Eagles Release WR DeSean Jackson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Eagles announced today that they released wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
At about 12:40 p.m. Friday, the official Eagles Twitter account sent out the following Tweet:
"After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today."
Throughout the offseason, rumors had swirled that the Eagles were open to trading the talented wide receiver. At the Owners' Meeting in Orlando this past week, Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was evasive when talking about Jackson's future with the team.
On Friday, the team reacted and Jackson is no longer an Eagle.
The release comes on the same day that NJ.COM released a story citing Jackson's gang ties as a reason for concern.
Jackson released a statement that addressed the alleged gang ties:
"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."
READ: Full DeSean Jackson Statement
Jackson, 27, is coming off of one his more productive seasons in which he led the Eagles last season with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and had nine touchdowns.
Jackson was signed through the 2016 season and was due $10.25 million for the 2014 season.
The speedy receiver was drafted 49th overall by the Eagles in the 2008 NFL Draft
