The Philadelphia Eagles have signed quarterback Mark Sanchez to a one-year contract and release DeSean Jackson.

 

DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson (Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
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"After careful consideration this offseason, Eagles decide to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today," tweeted the team early on Friday afternoon. He was coming off a career-best season in Philadelphia, leading the team with 82 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.

Jackson had a $10.25 million contract for the 2014 season, a stiff price the Eagles were not willing to pay. He was signed through 2016.

In response, Jackson tweeted "God Got the Plan !! Not Me."

NJ.com reports the Eagles were concerned about Jackson's ties to a street gang in Los Angeles linked to two murders there in 2010. The team was reportedly concerned about his possible influence on younger players.

Earlier on Friday, the team's website, Sanchez signed a one-year contract and will likely back up Nick Foles. ESPN reports the 27-year-old's deal pays him $2.25 million. It includes a $750,000 signing bonus and $1.75 million in bonuses.

At a press conference announcing the deal, Sanchez admitted "I'm always going to want to start," calling it part of every quarterback's DNA according to ESPN. ""It doesn't matter where you are, you want to play. There's nothing wrong with having that drive. I'll keep that fire going and try to help this team the best I can."

He called starter Nick Foles "an incredible talent" and respects him. "Coming in here, I'm

Mark Sanchez
Mark Sanchez (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
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not stirring up a controversy. I'm here to help this team win, whatever that means. I really do respect Foles I respect what he's done here, especially last year. He's a heck of a player, an incredible talent and I'm excited to work with him,' said Sanchez.

"Mark has started 68 games in his career and has taken his teams deep into the playoffs multiple times, so we really like what he brings to the table from an experience standpoint,"  commented head coach Chip Kelly on the website."I also had the chance to see Mark play in college and have always had respect for his game and athletic ability."

Sanchez was bounced out of New York after the Jets signed former Eagles starter Michael Vick last Friday.

Townsquare Media NJ Sports Director Kevin Williams sees the signing as a "perfect fit" for both the Eagles and Sanchez. "The Eagles wanted an experiences quarterback for Nick Foles and Sanchez needed a team to resurrect his career." Williams expects Foles to remain the Eagles starter and to add a third, younger quarterback.

"This is a great opportunity for Sanchez to show he can lead a team and be a starter," says Williams, who doesn;t think Sanchez will stay with the Eagles for more than two seasons.

Sanchez spent last season on injured reserve after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder in a preseason game. He led the Jets to the AFC championship game his first two seasons in the NFL before struggling the next two. He had an NFL-leading 52 turnovers in 2012-13. He passed a physical for the Eagles and is at 80% according to ESPN.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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