KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After missing on then-free agent Emmanuel Sanders two Saturdays ago, the Chiefs are out of the hunt for another free-agent wide receiver.
Oct 13, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs are not pursuing DeSean Jackson, a source familiar with the situation confirmed Saturday night with ChiefsSpin.com.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network and NFL.com first reported the news on Twitter.
The Chiefs were among the reported nine teams interested in Jackson following his release Friday from the Philadelphia Eagles.
A potential signing in Kansas City would’ve reunited Jackson with coach Andy Reid, who drafted Jackson in 2008 while with the Eagles.
Jackson, 27, also would’ve reunited with Chiefs assistant head coach/wide receiver coach David Cully, who coached Jackson’s first five seasons before following Reid to Kansas City last year.
The Eagles released Jackson less than an hour after a story appeared on NJ.com alleging Jackson’s gang connections. Jackson later refuted the story in a statement, which also contained his gratitude to Reid for drafting him.
Nevertheless, Rapoport said the Chiefs “did due dillegence” on Jackson before coming to a decision.
By not signing Sanders and Jackson, the Chiefs still have a need at the wide receiver position and could explore remaining options on the free-agent market, such as former Eagles receiver Jason Avant.
But with $4.5 million remaining in cap space, the Chiefs could choose to focus on selecting a wide receiver during May’s draft.
In the meantime, Jackson is scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins on Monday. Other teams reported to be interested in the three-time Pro Bowler include the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.
