The Philadelphia Eagles finally severed ties with wide receiver DeSean Jackson, as an offseason that included complaints about a new contract and poor locker room attitude came to a head after a reported surfaced connecting him with a Los Angeles gang.
Those off-the-field troubles didn’t dissuade four teams from reaching out to Jackson’s agent, Joel Segal, within the first 30 minutes of his release, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The number ballooned to six shortly thereafter.
At least four teams reached out to DeSean Jackson’s agent, Joel Segal, in first 30 minutes after he was relesaed. Talks ongoing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 28, 2014
And now up to 6 teams already calling on DeSean Jackson. And counting.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 28, 2014
Among the teams known to have an interest in signing Jackson is the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Danny Parkins of “The Drive” on 610 Sports Radio in Kansas City, the Chiefs and Jackson’s former head coach Andy Reid have reached out to Jackson’s representatives.
SOURCE: The #Chiefs have reached out to Desean Jackson’s representatives. More details on 610 Sports Radio at 2:00. @610SportsKC
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) March 28, 2014
The same goes for the New York Jets, who quickly emerged as a potential landing for Jackson when he was rumored to be on the trading block. Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg used to coach Jackson and the team recently signed friend and former quarterback Michael Vick. According to ESPN, the Jets have interest but general manager John Idzik remains lukewarm on the situation.
Yes, Jets still have interest in DeSean Jackson, per source. How much is unclear. Probably discussing it as we speak. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 28, 2014
People in Jets organization interested in DeSean Jackson despite alleged gang-related ties. Unclear if Woody Johnson & John Idzik are #nyj
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 28, 2014
There are conflicting reports about whether Jackson could find a new home in Charlotte.
Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told USA TODAY Sports Friday he’s intrigued by the possibility of adding Jackson after the team lost its top four wide receivers, including Steve Smith, to free agency.
“We’d be interested. He’s an intriguing player and we’ll take a look at him,” Rivera said. “I just got word and this is surprising to hear. He’s an explosive player who has great vertical speed and is strong going to the ball.”
That report conflicts with one by Pro Football Talk, which indicates the receiver-needy Panthers have no interest in Jackson. According to the report, Rivera told USA TODAY Sports that the team was interested was trying to help out Jackson or at least not to hurt his value on the open market.
There has been no word yet from the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers or the Oakland Raiders, teams that surfaced as potential landing spots when Jackson was believed to be available for trade.
