Chip Kelly claims DeSean Jackson's off-field issues were not a factor in the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to release him last offseason.

Jackson reportedly had ties to gangs in the Los Angeles area.

“Yeah, just trying to build the overall team in terms of what we’re looking for offensively and how we wanted to get bigger at the wideout spot and that’s what we did,” Kelly said.

Jackson was the Eagles' most productive wide receiver in 2013, catching 82 balls for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns.

One of the ways the Eagles replaced Jackson's playmaking ability was to trade for Darren Sproles, who is leading the club in catches and receiving yards.