DeSean Jackson has no interest from Carolina Panthers
DeSean Jackson (10) returns a punt against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 48-30. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles officially released wide receiver DeSean Jackson today, and the move wasn’t a surprising one given how aggressively the Eagles were shopping him and how little teams were willing to spend $30 million over the next three years on him. A report from NJ.com shortly before his release noted potential gang ties, and this report will surely drive down his price, fair or not.
Anyway, Jackson has already been linked to some more teams, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, and it will be interesting to see how his market shapes up. There’s no doubt that Jackson is an incredibly talented wide receiver, as he’s coming off of the best season of his career. Formerly only a playmaker, Jackson was a true No. 1 receiver in the Eagles offense last year with over 1,300 receiving yards and more consistent route-running.
The Carolina Panthers were once linked to Jackson, but they never seemed like a logical landing spot despite their obvious need for a wide receiver of Jackson’s caliber. Not only do they have almost no cap room, but Panthers GM Dave Gettleman is one of the last people willing to take a flier on somebody with perceived character concerns, especially after the Eagles decision to aggressively shop him before releasing him after he fell out of favor with Chip Kelly.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports, that the Panthers don’t have any interest in Jackson, and this shouldn’t surprise anyone. They need some major help at the wide receiver position, but it looks like they’ll save their money, a potential headache, and address the position in the draft.
This PFT report refutes Rivera’s statement that the Panthers have interest in D-Jax, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for further updates as they come.