Eagles Release DeSean Jackson
(CBS) The Philadelphia Eagles have released wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who was coming off a career year with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.
After weeks of rumors that Jackson might be moved, the Eagles cut him Friday, the same day a NJ.com report was published that said the team was concerned with Jackson's relationship with gang members. An excerpt from the article:
Sources close to Jackson and within the Eagles' organization say it's Jackson's off-field behavior that concerns the front office. A bad attitude, an inconsistent work ethic, missed meetings and a lack of chemistry with head coach Chip Kelly are the reasons, sources told NJ.com. And when the Eagles looked more deeply into why Jackson was missing meetings, they found that his friends were becoming a more powerful -- and negative -- influence in his life.
Now the Eagles have even more serious concerns -- Jackson's continued association with reputed Los Angeles street gang members who have been connected to two homicides since 2010.
Jackson had a $10.25 million contract for the 2014 season, a stiff price the Eagles were not willing to pay. He was signed through 2016 in a deal in that was originally for $51 million over five years.
Jackson has 356 career receptions for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns. The 27-year-old Jackson is entering his seventh season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
