Big Red says Eagles yet to make decision on DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson created plenty of noise this past season and unfortunately it wasn’t his play that was making the most noise.

The wide receiver was stirring as he awaited a contract that never came. The Eagles were under a tight salary cap situation and that surely played into it. Jackson said early in the year his goal was not to be injured, and that didn’t go over particularly well.

But coach Andy Reid, addressing the media for the first time this offseason on Tuesday, said he was proud of the way Jackson handled himself in the final five games.

“I was proud of DeSean for standing up,” Reid said, according to Jonathan Tamari of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I thought he showed maturity this season. You saw a different attitude the last five or six games.”

Should he really have to be talking about the maturity of a player in his fourth season? The Eagles have a few options with Jackson. They can work to sign him to a long-term deal – something they will also want to do with running back LeSean McCoy. Philadelphia could place the franchise tag on Jackson, which might not make him any happier. Or the Eagles could let a two-time Pro Bowl performer walk away in free agency.

"We haven't come to any conclusions," Reid said.

Stay tuned.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune