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The moment everyone was waiting for has finally arrived. Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly met with a large contigent of media early on Wednesday morning at the NFL owner's meetings to answer the questions on DeSean Jackson (and more). Unlike Eagles GM Howie Roseman and Eagles owner Jeff Lurie, Kelly was willing to talk about the Eagles' star wide receiver.
Do you want DeSean on the team? "I like DeSean," said Kelly. "We're going to do what's best for our team."
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 26, 2014
Kelly said that the conversations between he and DeSean Jackson are private, but he has "no issue" with Jackson.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) March 26, 2014
Kelly said that DeSean Jackson has never come to him or Howie Roseman to ask for a new contract.
— Eagles Insider (@EaglesInsider) March 26, 2014
Asked if DeSean Jackson would be on the roster by the start of OTAs on April 21, Chip Kelly said he can't predict future for any player.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 26, 2014
Asked why he chose to call DeSean Jackson 2 days before his interview, Chip Kelly said he felt it was necessary to ease WR's concerns.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 26, 2014
How could offense be better without DeSean? Kelly: "I don't think our offense is predicated on one player."
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 26, 2014
Again, to clarify, Chip Kelly has not said that DeSean Jackson won't be traded. #doublenegative
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 26, 2014
Kelly: "I think DeSean has a good understanding of where we are."
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 26, 2014
Yet again, the Eagles had the chance to end the DeSean Jackson speculation but didn't. There's hardly a ringing endorsement to be found for Jackson in what Kelly had to say. That's not to say Chip didn't have positive things about Jackson, because clearly he did. But he didn't do anything to give the sense that Jackson will definitely be back next season. And with that said, the offseason saga continues.