Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman does not want to talk about DeSean Jackson, but he will talk about the wide receivers in this year's draft class. The Eagles receiving corps appeared set when the team re-signed both Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin while releasing Jason Avant. The trio would give quarterback Nick Foles three deadly targets on the field. However, with Jackson possibly on the outs with Philadelphia, do the Eagles target a first-round receiver as his replacement?
There is no doubting that Jackson is the best offensive producer for Philadelphia since getting drafted by the team in 2008. However, the receiver's departure seems inevitable in the coming weeks, either by trade or release. According to Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com, both Jackson and the Eagles had decided to part ways months ago. The reason is not known, but Jackson had made comments regarding his contract and how he believes he deserves a raise from his $10.5 million salary next year. That might not have left the best taste in his mouth.
Jackson reported on social media Monday night that he and head coach Chip Kelly had met, but gave no indication on his future. Roseman is offering up the same silent treatment, only stating that at the moment Jackson is under contract with the Eagles.
"He's still under contract for us," Roseman said, via CSNPhilly.com. "Until there's anything to report on our players, that's where we are right now." "We felt like it's important for all of our players to keep those between us, because we're trying to build trust. We're trying to build trust with our players and make sure they feel an ability to communicate with us. I don't have my transcript, but I feel like that's what I said at the time. So I feel that I'm being consistent about that and I would say the same thing about any other player."
Jackson's future is unknown. There is trade interest surrounding the receiver and at 27, if he is released then every NFL team will try and sign him. Both Kelly and Roseman continue to remain evasive over the status of Jackson which certainly is not helping speculation.
However, one thing is certain, the Eagles are looking at options to replace him. While speaking at the owner's meeting, Roseman raved over the draft class of wide receivers, hinting the Eagles were considering making a move for someone.
"No question," Roseman said. "It's the best group at any position in the draft, in our opinion. . . . When you look at the draft and just look at the position groups, I think it'd be hard to argue that it's not the best position group."
The Eagles will make their first pick at No. 22. That likely leaves them out of the running for either Mike Evans or Sammy Watkins. They could easily land Marqise Lee in the second round considering defense might be a priority in the first. All three receivers, if available, possess that dynamic talent that is key in a Chip Kelly offense and key to replacing Jackson.
