The Philadelphia Eagles have released three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson following reports linking him to a Los Angeles gang.

Jackson was one of the Eagles' key players last season, enjoying the best year of his career with 1,332 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

However, accusations about his connections to gang members have since surfaced, and the Eagles have now decided to release the 27-year-old rather than trade him to another team that may be unaware of the alleged link.

"After careful consideration over this off-season, the Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with DeSean Jackson. The team informed him of his release today," the Eagles said in a statement.

Jackson had been with the Eagles for six years having been chosen in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.