DeSean Jackson signed a five-year, $47 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles two years ago that appeared to indicate the team was committed to him for the distant future. You would not think that is the case after reading the various reports that have speculated about Jackson’s future since the offseason began.
As Tim McManus of Philly Magazine pointed out, some writers who cover the Eagles feel that Chip Kelly has grown tired of Jackson’s attitude and is willing to listen to offers for the 2013 Pro Bowler. Jackson, who is currently training in California, is said to be very much aware of this.
According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, Jackson is unsure about his standing on the team and troubled by what is being written about him. He has reached out to some of his teammates to express his concern. One of Jackson’s top confidants says that the whole situation has become ‘a bit of a distraction.’
‘We’re in the dark like everyone else,’ said a source close to Jackson. ‘Thought he would at least be worthy of some kind of communication.'”
Jackson had supposedly not been contacted by the team as of Saturday, meaning he has not been reassured that the speculation is unfounded. Kelly has spoken about the importance of communication in the past and players knowing where they stand, yet he has reportedly not made an effort to reach out to Jackson. The head coach had a chance to squash the rumors on Friday and chose not to.
Toward the end of the season, Jackson threw a temper tantrum on the sidelines and appeared to be yelling at teammates. Perhaps those incidents occur more often than we know and Kelly and company have gotten sick of it. Does that mean Jackson will be traded? Not necessarily, but Kelly seems like he is deliberately choosing to not defend his star receiver.
