DeSean Jackson has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing an end to what has been the most volatile situation across the NFL this offseason.
Reports went back and forth over the past few weeks from Jackson being on his way out of town to Chip Kelly having a conversation with the 27-year-old Pro Bowler that made him believe he was staying in Philly. Ultimately, the Eagles had no intention of keeping Jackson and were simply trying to maintain some leverage in the event that he could be traded.
Less than an hour before Jackson was released on Friday, a report surfaced detailing how the Eagles had grown concerned over his alleged involvement with gangs. DeSean flashed what appeared to be a gang sign at DeAngelo Hall last year and later flashed the same sign in a photo on Instagram, so the “new” information was hardly a surprise.
In addition to relieving themselves of a headache, the Eagles have also freed up a big chunk of salary cap space for 2014 and beyond. Around the League’s Gregg Rosenthal believes the move had more to do with money and less with Jackson’s off-field issues.
The New York Jets and Oakland Raiders are two of the many teams who are expected to kick the tires on Jackson.
