Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly said that he talked with DeSean Jackson about the rumors of his departure from the team a couple of days ago, but it may not stop the Eagles from trading or releasing the wide receiver this offseason.
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According to ESPN, Kelly said at the NFL's annual meeting that he and Jackson had a nice conversation but the team will ultimately do what is best for its future.
"We've had a good conversation and we're always going to do what's best for the football team," Kelly said, according to ESPN. "But I think he knows where we are, and I know where he is. I feel very comfortable about it. My conversations with him aren't things I think I need to have a conversation with anyone else about."
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Kelly admitted he and Jackson get along but reiterated that it's a team-first decision regardless of his relationship with the receiver.
"I like DeSean. DeSean did a really nice job for us. But we're always going to do what's best for the organization," he told ESPN.
Kelly was mum on what the talks with Jackson consisted of, but a Philadelphia Inquirer report on Tuesday said that Jackson called some of his teammates following the initial speculation to tell them that he wouldn't be traded following his conversation with Kelly.
Jackson, 27, is coming off of a career-year where he set personal bests with 82 catches and 1,332 yards while tying a career-high with nine touchdowns, but he is also due $10.5 million in 2014.
"I don't deal with numbers. That's not my job," Kelly said when asked about salary per ESPN, while intimating that the questions should be directed towards GM Howie Roseman.
Kelly also said that he had "no issues" with Jackson in 2013 and that the receiver "did a good job" fitting into the team's style of play but also said that the team has plenty of weapons and losing one player won't hurt them.
"I don't think our offense has ever been predicated on one player," he said via ESPN. "We used three quarterbacks last year. We used multiple running backs. Our tight ends are integral to what we do. I think we have an outstanding offensive line. It's never been about just one guy."
It's unknown where Jackson will end up, but Kelly hasn't ruled out the Eagles dealing or releasing him.
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