Eagles Release WR DeSean Jackson

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday that they have informed WR DeSean Jackson of his release.

After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today.

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 28, 2014

Statement from Jackson regarding his release, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

“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 Reed 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.”

The Eagles did find trade interest in Jackson, however, multiple reports mentioned that his current salary was seen as being prohibitive.

Eliot Shorr-Parks and A.J. Perez of NJ.com published an article on Friday that outlined the Eagles concerns regarding Jackson’s gang connections and other off-the-field issues, so it is interesting that this move was made shortly after this story came out.

“They are concerned about having him around the younger players,” a source within the Eagles organization told NJ.com.

The Patriots, 49ers, Jets, Raiders, Chiefs, and Panthers have come up as potential options for Jackson, but we’ll have to see if his market changes following the report regarding the Eagles concerns.

Jackson, 27, was entering the third year of his five-year, $47 million contract that included $15 million guaranteed. He had a sizable 2014 base salary of $10.5 million to go along with a cap figure of $12.75 million.

• Releasing Jackson will free up $6.5 million in available cap space for the Eagles, according to OverTheCap.com.

In 2013, Jackson totaled 82 receptions for 1,332 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 7 receiver in the league last year.