The speculation on Juan Castillo's future is over. Start the DeSean Jackson watch.
The explosive Eagles receiver's contract is set to expire in March, and the biggest offseason question now facing the team is now whether to re-sign him, use the franchise tag, or allow the two-time Pro Bowler to hit free agency.
Coach Andy Reid on Tuesday praised Jackson's demeanor at the end of last season, but gave no clear indication about the team's plans.
"I was proud of DeSean for standing up. I thought he showed maturity this season," Reid said, noting that after some early troubles Jackson publicly admitted he didn't handle things properly.
"You saw a different attitude the last five or six games," Reid said.
The comment, though, is also a reminder that Jackson clashed with the team earlier in the season, a factor that the Eagles have to consider.
"We haven't come to any conclusions," Reid said.
Teams can begin using the franchise tag Feb. 20 and must apply it by March 5 to keep the rights to a pending free agent.
Reid spoke often Tuesday about the Eagles' turnover problems, which led to questions about Michael Vick, who threw 14 interceptions and lost four fumbles. Reid said the quarterback understood the need to cut down on turnovers and better protect himself from injury.
Reid said that he and Vick were in "constant communication."
Defensive tackle Mike Patterson recently had surgery to repair the arteriovenous malformation on his brain, Reid said, and is "doing very good." Patterson should be ready by training camp, barring a setback.
Reid said the Eagles planned to "attack free agency and the draft aggressively, like we have in the past," but he sounded unlikely to make the sweeping changes seen last year.
