Eagles release veteran center Jackson

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The Eagles on Wednesday released veteran center Jamaal Jackson.

Jackson was the longest-tenured player on the roster and started 72 games during his career with the Eagles.

"I knew this day was coming," Jackson said. "I want to play and it wasn't going to happen here. Loved my time with Eagles. Nine years - was a blessing

"There's guys 33 getting four-year contracts. I'm 31. I know I can still play."

Jackson was signed as a rookie free agent in 2003 out of Delaware State and made 71 consecutive starts from 2005-09. He missed the majority of the 2010 season with a torn triceps suffered in the season opener. While returned for the 2011 season, the Eagles opted to start rookie sixth-rounder Jason Kelce out of Cincinnati.

Kelce better fit into new offensive line coach Howard Mudd's scheme, which uses smaller and more athletic offensive linemen.

Jackson was the last of the remaining players from the Eagles' Super Bowl appearance in 2005 but didn't play until the next season when Hank Fraley went down with injury. Jackson started the last eight games of 2005, which started his 71 consecutive starts.

The move comes only hours after the Eagles shipped tackle Winston Justice to the Colts (see story), while swapping sixth-rounders in another apparent salary dump.

E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com. E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com.

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