After nearly a month of trade speculation, the Philadelphia Eagles released receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday. The New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots are reportedly interested in signing the new free agent.
"After careful consideration during this off-season, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson," the Eagles said in a statement. "The team informed him of his release today."
Jackson's future in Philadelphia became murky after the team re-signed receivers Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin in the offseason. Although a myriad of reports indicated Jackson wouldn't suit up as an Eagle this season, Jackson sounded optimistic earlier this week about remaining in Philadelphia after he met with coach Chip Kelly.
Kelly, though, said on Wednesday he would do what was best for the organization. By Friday, the front office decided unburdening themselves of Jackson's $10 million salary and his locker room presence was best for the team.
Jackson, coming off a career-best 1,332 receiving yards, won't be short on suitors. Jets owner Woody Johnson bordered on tampering when he confirmed his team's interest last week in acquiring Jackson.
"We're looking at a number of players, including DeSean," Johnson said at the NFL owners meetings, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's a very good player. We're looking at a number of them. Trades are not our primary operating motif right now."
Signing Jackson would reunite the 27-year-old with his former teammate Michael Vick, who signed last week with the Jets and is expected to have a legitimate shot at winning the starting quarterback job.
San Francisco and New England are also interested in the veteran, according to CSN Philly. Both teams need the kind of deep threat and sideline speed Jackson can offer.
