The situation surrounding DeSean Jackson is getting strange. The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver continues to be the center piece of trade speculation as many wonder if he is in the midst of a falling out with his current team. Jackson is easily one of the best offensive producers for the Eagles, but is the team ready to move on from his contract demands and attitude?
The Eagles are playing the will they or won't they game when it comes to Jackson. According to Les Bowen of Philly.com, the Eagles are willing to listen to trade offers for the wide receiver. The Eagles are not actively shopping Jackson around to potential buyers, but they are certainly picking up the phones when teams call, and plenty reportedly have.
While it seems crazy to think Jackson could be traded considering what he has done for the Eagles in recent years, the silent treatment coming from Chip Kelly and company raises more eyebrows. On Wednesday, NFL sources reported that Kelly had talked things over with Jackson and told the wide receiver that he would not be headed anywhere in the offseason. However, Bowen refutes that report, saying the two sides have not discussed the recent rumors at all.
The Eagles have had opportunities to simply come out and deny that Jackson will be trade at all. While many assume the wide receiver is going nowhere, Philadelphia has done nothing to confirm Jackson's job security. The signings of Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper certainly did not help and denying a new contract for the receiver who is set to make $10.5 million also did not help.
According to Allentown Morning Call radio program, a team source reports there is "no way" Jackson is an Eagles next season. So, assuming that source knows something others do not, where could the receiver be headed next season?
NFL.com's Greg Rosenthal reports the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders could be options to land Jackson. The Patriots and San Francisco 49ers have already been ruled out as possible targets. Both teams have already made moves at the wide receiver position and are unlikely to make a big swing to get Jackson as well.
The Jets did sign Eric Decker during the first day of free agency, but he is simply not enough. The team needs another wide receiver to pair with the former Denver Broncos star. Jeremy Kerley simply does not attract enough attention. After releasing Santonio Holmes, they have a roster hole to fill.
The Chiefs have missed out on all free agent receiver signings. The team tried to get Emmanuel Sanders, but he opted for Denver. They tried to chase Julian Edelman, but he re-signed with the Patriots. A reunion with Andy Reid might be favorable since the head coach knows exactly what Jackson is capable of.
The Raiders need a big offensive move. The team has made strong upgrades on defense, but do not have any solid receiving options to help whoever their quarterback is next season. Jackson would be a significant upgrade.
