Eagles' Chip Kelly: DeSean Jackson was cut for 'purely football' reasons

Ex-Eagles wideout DeSean Jackson had nine touchdown receptions last season. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly says he cut DeSean Jackson, the team's leading receiver last season, for "purely football" reasons.

Jackson was released last month and he signed with the Washington Redskins, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $24 million, with $16 million guaranteed.

"We just wanted to go in a different direction. It had nothing to do with any article. Purely football," Kelly said, via the New York Daily News.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie also said that the team decided to part ways with Jackson after the end of last season because Kelly "wanted to attack the wide receiver position differently" and because the team received no trade offers for the three-time Pro Bowler.

Jackson caught 356 passes for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns during his six seasons in Philadelphia.

Last season, he set career-highs in catches (82) and receiving yards (1,332) in Kelly's first year with the Eagles.

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There was a report on NJ.com in late March that said the team was concerned about his off-the-field activities and work ethic. His contract was also an issue: He would have been paid $10.7 million had he stayed with the Eagles this season.