DeSean Jackson just wanted to move on in his first official day as a member of the Redskins.
The speedy wide receiver refused to address media reports linking him to gang activity and other off-field concerns that purportedly caused the Eagles to unceremoniously release Jackson last Friday.
Jackson was much more interested in celebrating his quick landing with Philadelphia’s NFC East rivals, who showered him with a three-year, $24 million deal that included $16 million in guaranteed money.
It was the most guaranteed money given to any wide receiver in free agency this year, topping the $15 million the Jets handed Eric Decker and befitting a playmaker who was cut by the Eagles despite catching 82 passes for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
“Honestly, man, I’m not here really to address that,” Jackson said of the reports in a conference call Wednesday with Washington-area media. “I feel the people that really know me and know what type of player I am, they respect me and they know I’m a team guy.
“Here, the best thing I can say is you know you have got a group of guys that would love to play with me and stepped up and kind of supported me and supported my situation. So I’m looking forward.”
Jackson, though, admitted the Eagles’ decision — which the club has yet to explain publicly — was an eye-opener for him.
“It was a humbling experience for myself, me being at the peak of my career and doing some great things in this league the first six years, to be able to be released like that,” Jackson said.
Jackson, 27, never made a second visit in free agency. He decided on the Redskins after a weekend visit in which he was photographed hanging out at a D.C. nightclub with Redskins DeAngelo Hall, Pierre Garcon and rap star Wale.
Jackson credited the quick outreach of quarterback Robert Griffin III and Hall for making his decision to sign with Washington easier.
“[Griffin] has done a great job of embracing me and calling me as soon as he knew I was a free agent and saying, ‘I want to do my best to be able to get you here,’ ’’ Jackson said. “He had a big part of getting me to sign here, so I praise him and DeAngelo Hall to the utmost respect.”
By staying in the NFC East, Jackson also guaranteed he will face Philadelphia at least twice a season. Asked if he was feeling motivated for revenge against the Eagles or coach Chip Kelly, Jackson said it would be “emotional” but wouldn’t single out his former team.
“Obviously me coming from the Eagles, that will definitely be emotional and a big game, but I like to say every game that we’ll play this year will be the same way,” Jackson said.
One of the first things on his agenda is finding a new number. The No. 10 that Jackson wore in Philadelphia is the property of Griffin with the Redskins.
“Maybe RG3 will wear No. 3 and I’ll try to get in 10,” Jackson said. “We’ll see how it goes though. [You] never know.”