DeSean Jackson is officially a free agent. The Philadelphia Eagles announced Friday they have released their lead receiver following a string of trade rumors and off-the-field issues that left the team concerned about the future. Jackson was just two years into a five-year contract and will now look to command more on the free agent market. Could a possible reunion with a former coach or former quarterback be in the works?
ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reports the release of Jackson had been in consideration for some time. The wide receiver was on the trade market ever since he requested a new contract and more money. That left a bad taste in head coach Chip Kelly's mouth. Now, the Eagles have opted to simply release Jackson and leave the wide receiving corps to Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin and likely a rookie.
So where does Jackson sign for the future? Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs are very interested in signing Jackson and reuniting the receiver with former head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs have been in the market for another top wide receiver. Dwayne Bowe is the main man, but behind him is a lot of inexperience.
Despite the news surrounding Jackson, Reid told reporters that he believes the receiver is a good person and the two still have a strong relationship despite the coach's departure from Philadelphia.
"I have nothing but good things to say about the kid," Reid said, via ESPN.com. "I did draft him. I had a great relationship with him. When his father passed away, that was a hard thing for him to go through at a young age. They were best friends. I've experienced life things with him, so I would tell you he was great for me when I was there."
Kansas City's salary cap could make a signing of Jackson tough. The Chiefs have $4.5 million in cap space at the moment. Jackson will command a lot of money, unless he is willing to take a smaller deal in order to rebuild his reputation. Kansas City would be smart to make this signing work. With the Denver Broncos loading up in the offseason, the Chiefs need Jackson to compete.
Another option for the wide receiver could be a reunion with former quarterback Michael Vick. The Jets were originally interested in making a trade for Jackson, but were waiting to let the situation play out before making a move. Manish Metta of the New York Daily News reports that Rex Ryan is very interested in bringing in the receiver, but it is unclear how John Idzik feels about the idea. Vick has already made a public request for his former teammate to join on.
