Still no word on DeSean Jackson’s future in Philly

DeSean Jackson, Eagles offense DeSean Jackson’s future is still completely unknown as the NFL owners meetings get underway in Orlando. Credit: Getty Images

Sources have reported now that at least six teams have inquired about the availability of Eagles Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson.

The Patriots, 49ers, Seahawks, Jets, Raiders and Panthers have all been named as possible landing spots for Jackson, with the Niners later denying the reports.

But if the Eagles can’t find a trade partner, someone willing to take on the $12.75 million cap hit and $10.5 million base salary, would they really just release him?

There seems to be incentive for the Eagles and Jackson to work something out. Surely, if he is let go from Philadelphia, Jackson will need to take a pay cut. And clearly, if the Eagles aren’t able to get at least the third round pick they are hoping for, they would need to use one of their existing draft picks to take a receiver in the receiver rich draft.

Among the possible suitors, the Jets seem to be the front-runners, thanks in part to their signing an old friend of Jackson’s Michael Vick to contend for the starting quarterback job.

“We’re looking at a number of players, including DeSean,” Jets owner Woody Johnson told reporters on Sunday at the NFL owners meetings. “He’s a very good player. We’re looking at a number of them. Trades are not our primary operating motif right now; we’re trying to build through the draft.”