DeSean Jackson in talks with 2 teams
Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is deep in negotiations with two teams previously not mentioned as having interest, a source close to the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder.
The source, who confirmed that Jackson is traveling Monday to meet with the Washington Redskins, told Werder: "There have been negotiations in the past 24 hours. Two teams nobody has mentioned as being interested are deep in negotiations. They are engaged with multiple clubs."
A source told ESPN.com's John Keim that the bulk of Jackson's visit with the Redskins is expected to take place Tuesday.
The head coach for one team admittedly interested in Jackson told Werder: "A lot of research needs to be done here. High risk, potentially high reward. We really are just researching right now."
Jackson posted a tweet Monday morning with a link to an Instagram photo that appears to show Jackson in an airplane.
Life Brought me This Far !! Now Create the New Path !! Desire !! Faith !! Motivation !! Believe !!... http://t.co/Cc8Rh2kgV3
- Desean Jackson (@DeseanJackson10) March 31, 2014
The Eagles decided to cut ties with Jackson, one of the most electrifying players in club history, last week amid a report by NJ.com that the receiver has ties to Los Angeles gang members. The Eagles also independently uncovered information about Jackson's off-field connections and activities, a source told ESPN.
A league source told ESPN that the Eagles decided to release Jackson for a number of reasons due mostly to "work ethic and attitude." The Eagles learned about Jackson's associations in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, and the NJ.com report raised the team's "level of concern," the source said.
At least nine teams reached out to Jackson's agent last week after he was released, according to a league source.
Following his release, Jackson issued a statement that both thanked the Eagles for initially giving him a chance and denounced reports like the one by NJ.com.
"I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field," Jackson said in his statement. "I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member, and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible."
The Eagles released Jackson just two years after he signed a five-year contract extension. The three-time Pro Bowler was due to make $10.5 million in 2014 and was owed $30.5 million over the remainder of his contract, but none of that money was guaranteed.
