Editor's note: The above video is from the March 18, 2014 edition of Yahoo SportsTalk Live.
The 49ers denied having talks with the Philadelphia Eagles when wide receiver DeSean Jackson was on the trade market last spring.
But once the Eagles released Jackson, the 49ers contacted the explosive ex-Cal wideout. Jackson said Wednesday on a conference call with Bay Area reporters that he spoke with 49ers general manager Trent Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh when he was a free agent.
Jackson, a Southern California native, did not visit with the 49ers. He eventually signed with Washington, which travels to face the 49ers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
“Yeah, I had some talks with them, general manager, coach Harbaugh, things like that,” Jackson said. “It was a close call. I almost made the trip to come out there but, obviously, Washington did what they did and they kept me here and made everything right.
[REWIND: DeSean Jackson walks with gangsters]
Jackson said he respected Harbaugh as a coach from his days at Stanford. With his new team, Jackson has caught 40 passes for 819 yards and four touchdowns for a Washington team that is 3-7 and in last place in the NFC East.
Jackson signed a four-year, $24 million contract with Washington.
“At the end of the day, they made it right for me to stay here in Washington,” Jackson said. “Even though I’m born and raised in California, would love to be there and play there. It was a better fit and a better situation for me to be where I’m at now. That’s what played the part.”
