Report: DeSean Jackson Tells Teammates He's Staying With Eagles
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- DeSean Jackson isn't acting like a guy on the outs in Philadelphia.
The wide receiver called teammates on Tuesday "to tell them he was staying with the Eagles" after having a chat on Monday with head coach Chip Kelly, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Apparently, unless he's misinterpreted the conversation ... he is staying," McLane told WIP radio in Philadelphia on Tuesday. "The Eagles don't have any comment."
The latest development comes on the heels of a report saying the Eagles were prepared to release Jackson if a trading partner couldn't be found. The New York Jets -- via owner Woody Johnson -- went public with their interest in the wide receiver on Sunday.
So why even think of getting rid of a three-time Pro Bowler? The issue with Jackson was thought to be two-fold: the Eagles' reportedly weren't hot on paying his $10.25 million salary this season, and Jackson apparently hadn't spoken to -- and was thought to be at odds with -- his head coach.
Well, he took to social media early Tuesday to touch on the latter.
It was reported earlier this month that Philadelphia was seeking a third-round pick in a trade for Jackson. Various reports surfaced afterward regarding the 27-year-old and his relationship with the team. Les Bowen of Philly.com wrote that Kelly was "too busy" to reach out to Jackson. Another report said the player failed to return Kelly's phone calls.
"He's still under contract," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said Monday. "For us, until there's anything to report on our players, that's where we are."
But that didn't stop Johnson from telling reporters the Jets were "looking at a number of players, including DeSean," who has three 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including a career-high 82 receptions and 1,332 yards in 2013.
Now he has the fan base drooling over the potential of a top receiver to pair with free-agent addition Eric Decker.
"He's a very good player," Johnson said Sunday from the league's owners meetings. "Trade's not our primary operating motif right now. We're trying to build through the draft. Building through the draft is something that is the way to build a successful team long term.
"We're always interested in talent. If it's somebody that fits into our locker room and understands that he can fit into our culture at a price we can afford."
Jackson had success playing under current Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, who called plays for the Eagles from 2006-12, spanning five of the wideout's seasons. He's under contract through 2016.
The Jets signed former Eagles quarterback Michael Vick last week.
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