Much of the DeSean Jackson trade speculation has been fueled by Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly’s refusal to come out and support his star wide receiver publicly. Kelly is aware of the trade rumors surrounding Jackson, but he has done nothing to throw water on the fire. However, there is reason to believe he called Jackson and told him not to worry.
Earlier this week, a report from Philly Magazine’s Tim McManus indicated that Jackson is concerned about his standing with the Eagles. A source claimed DeSean had not been contacted by Kelly. On Wednesday, 94WIP’s Ike Reese cited a source who said the opposite.
“He’s [DeSean Jackson] talked to Chip [Kelly] this off-season,” Reese said. “He’s talked to Chip and Chip told him you don’t have to worry about all the rumors that are out there. You’re here. He’s been assured, at least he’s been assured at that time [when they talked], that he wasn’t going anywhere. “
The Eagles have supposedly listened to trade offers for Jackson, but that means nothing. You never know what a team is willing to offer, so general managers will “listen” to trade proposals for almost any player.
“Again, it doesn’t mean something can’t happen to where a team wants DeSean and that the Eagles – this is also Howie Roseman’s department. The personnel department,” Reese said. “To me it makes sense for the Eagles, that they at least convey to DeSean that he’s fine. That he doesn’t have to believe the rumors that are out there if for no other reason, you want to keep DeSean’s mind in the right place.”
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News later confirmed Reese’s report.
If the Eagles were shopping Jackson, it would be wise to leave him in the dark about it. He’s already a difficult personality to handle, so that could turn ugly if they tried to trade him and were unsuccessful. For that reason, Kelly’s alleged reassurance makes perfect sense.
H/T Crossing Broad
