DeSean Jackson rumors: Buffalo Bills a "wild card" suitor

The Philadelphia Eagles surprised the NFL world with the release of star wide receiver DeSean Jackson on Friday, and the Buffalo Bills are reportedly among the many teams that have been connected to the three-time Pro Bowl receiver on the open market.

That per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, who calls the Bills a "wild card" suitor for Jackson's services alongside the Washington Redskins. Both teams are showing interest in Jackson.

Two wildcard teams interested in DeSean Jackson: #Redskins and #Bills. Can see both fits. Toss those in with #Chiefs, #Raiders and the rest.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2014

Jackson, who won't turn 28 until December 1, has most frequently been tied to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Oakland Raiders; the latter is his hometown team, while the former is coached by Andy Reid, who drafted Jackson while with the Eagles in 2008.

Though the 5'10", 178-pound Jackson does not fit the size prototype that the Bills typically target at receiver, there is no denying his explosive playmaking ability; in his six pro seasons, Jackson has accumulated 356 receptions for 6,117 yards and 32 touchdowns, adding three more scores (and 373 yards) on the ground and four punt return touchdowns, as well.

Despite heavily investing in the receiver position in recent years (Stevie Johnson signed a five-year contract extension, and early draft picks were spent on Robert Woods, T.J. Graham and Marquise Goodwin), the Bills are still in the market for receiving talent as they seek to speed the development of quarterback EJ Manuel. They had Kenny Britt in for a visit earlier this offseason, and have also been linked to top receivers in the 2014 NFL Draft, as well.

For more on Jackson's release in Philadelphia, including potential reasons for his dismissal, be sure to check out Bleeding Green Nation.