DeSean Jackson

Are the Browns pursuing receiver DeSean Jackson? A report says yes.

(Associated Press)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns are "going hard'' after former Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, according to a television station in Washington, D.C.

NBC Washington's Diana Russini reported Tuesday that the Browns have made a strong offer for the three-time Pro Bowl receiver, who's currently visiting the Redskins.

The Browns like Jackson as a player and were prepared to do their homework on him when he was released by the Eagles on Friday, just as they would any top-notch player. If they determined Jackson could help them and fit into the team structure, they were prepared to make a pitch.

Russini also also reported that the 49ers tossed their hat into the ring, and a Redskins source told her, "If Jackson gets on the plane...its going to be hard to sign him. He's at (Redskins) Park now. They can't let him leave."

Meanwhile, ESPN Washington reported at about 1 p.m. that the Redskins and Jackson were moving closer to a contract.

There's no question that Jackson, 27, would make a formidable duo with Browns Pro Bowl receiver Josh Gordon and that the two would be tough to stop.

After all, Jackson finished ninth in the NFL with 1,332 yards to Gordon's first-place 1,646 yards. He also matched Gordon's nine TDs and had only five fewer receptions with 82.

Jackson's spokesperson, Denise White, told USA Today on Friday that six teams called about Jackson within 30 minutes after his release. She didn't name them.

But league sources familiar with Jackson's situation told cleveland.com that the Browns -- with a first-time general manager in Ray Farmer and first-time head coach in Mike Pettine -- should steer clear of Jackson because of off-the-field concerns, many of which were revealed Friday in an investigative piece on nj.com.

The story details Jackson's association with Los Angeles gang members who have been tied to a pair of homicides since 2010.

An Eagles source told nj.com, "They are concerned about having him around the younger players."

Is Jackson the kind of player the Browns want around Gordon, who's one failed drug test away from banishment from the NFL?

NJ.com outlined Jackson's association with rapper Theron Shakir, who was charged with the murder of a 14-year-old in 2010. Shakir was acquitted of the murder and a related gun charge in 2013, but he's believed to be a member of the Crips. Known as T-Ron, he has also recorded for the Jaccpot Records label owned by Jackson.

Los Angeles police detective Eric Crosson told NJ.com that he interviewed Jackson about the incident by phone in 2011, and tried to alert the Eagles to Jackson's possible ties to a murderer. He told NJ.com that he never received a response from the team.

The following year, the Eagles signed Jackson to a five-year, $48.5 million contract extension.

Jackson's former football coach at Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif., Raul Lara, told NJ.com that Jackson started to go astray after his father, Bill, died from pancreatic cancer in the mid-2000s. "When his dad passed away, I think DeSean started to hang around some not-so-good people,'' Lara said.

After his release on Friday, Jackson released a statement thanking the Eagles and denying any gang involvement.

"First, I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly,'' Jackson said in the statement. "I would also like to thank coach Andy Reed [sic] for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang.

"I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless."

Crosson told NJ.com that police also tried to contact Jackson about a 2012 gang-related murder that occurred outside a Los Angeles business owned or leased by a member of Jackson's family. A search of the building turned up documents belonging to Jackson including credit card receipts, a car title, and a gun permit.

He stressed that Jackson was never a suspect in the murder and that police have no concrete evidence that Jackson is a member of Crips.

However, Crosson expressed concern about Jackson apparently flashing the Crips sign in a game last season.

"You don't want to see anybody throwing up gang signs like he did in the Redskins game last year," Crosson told nj.com. "Those were neighborhood Crip gang signs and he flashed them during a game. He may not be affiliated with the gang, but they don't [ordinarily] take kindly to those not in the gang throwing up those gang signs."

The Browns, like many teams, are intrigued by Jackson's raw ability. But it remains to be seen if he'll even set foot outside of Redskins Park.

If Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has his way, Jackson won't leave the nation's capital.

"Very exciting player. Determined to show he is the best and hungry to win. My kinda guy," Griffin told ESPN's Britt McHenry.