36 hours to go, what happens to Chargers Jackson?
36 hours remain until NFL rosters need to be trimmed down to 53 players and what is going to become of disgruntled San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson? The Seattle Seahawks reportedly had one discussion with the receiver and according to signonsandiego.com, the San Diego Chargers could permit discussion with another team.It could be that the Seattle Seahawks are genuinely interested in Vincent Jackson, as it was reported last night that the team is looking for a trade partner for WR T.J Houshmandzadeh.
The Seattle wide out is going to be tough to move though due to his contract, he’s guaranteed to make 7 million this year. The San Diego newspaper reports that Jackson could be seeking a one year deal worth 7 million, so that would make sense that the Seahawks are trying to free up that amount of money as a possible destination for Jackson.
A one year deal however, would reduce the compensation that the San Diego Chargers would receive for Jackson and it remains to be seen if that is something the Chargers front office is open to.
I still think a team like the Minnesota Vikings or the Washington Redskins are possible destinations for Jackson. But the clock is ticking and they now have 35 hours and 30 minutes to consummate a deal. If Jackson is not moved, he faces a mandatory 6 games suspension from the league heading into 2010.
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson speaks
Disgruntled San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson held an exclusive interview on NFL Total Access tonight with Jason LaCanfora. LaCanfora asked Vincent Jackson some pointed questions about his contract situation and his relationship with the San Diego Chargers and where his future stands right now.
Vincent Jackson told LaCanfora that he misses training camp and the fun he has with his teammates. He said that he is in contact with Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates and QB Philip Rivers on a regular basis. Jackson then went on to say that he has no direct contact with the San Diego Chargers front office since the end of last season.
Jackson went on to say that the Chargers never offered him a deal, he has not spoken with the Seattle Seahawks, and he never asked for a trade. He continued to say that he was prepared to sit out the entire 2010 season and if he were to do that, it wouldn’t interfere with his marketability to other teams after the end of the year.
He also stated that alcohol would never be an issue with him again.
Well, let’s cut through some of his self-promoting PR. Jackson was a restricted free agent heading into this offseason and he could have spoken to any of the other 31 teams and struck a deal with the Chargers to allow another team to acquire him. The Chargers were not blocking him at all in those attempts, but it seemed no one was interested. Second, there was no reason for the Chargers to offer Jackson a new contract, he was a restricted free agent and they were not inclined to offer him a long term contract heading into 2011. Jackson was given a deadline, along with OT Marcus McNeill, to sign their tender offer just as every other player in the league was faced with who was a restricted free agent. He was notified by the club, that if he didn’t sign the original tender offer, it would be reduced.
If Jackson misses football so much, he could simply end this situation by simply reporting, and he could play after serving a three game suspension. His interview might have been an attempt to garner sympathy on his side, but after watching the exclusive interview, I have no sympathy for him. He created his own mess, he got himself suspended for three games and wants to be rewarded with a big fat long term contract. I say you should have simply reported to camp and worried about a big contract next season when you were an unrestricted free agent.
Tick-Tock. Clock ticking on Chargers Jackson
Tick Tock Vincent Jackson. The clock is running on the disgruntled San Diego Chargers wide receiver. The NFL confirmed via e-mail yesterday that Jackson has until September 4th to decide what he wants to do. If he wishes to be traded, he needs to reduce his demands. The NFL stated that Jackson has until September 4th to work out a deal.
The league office had said that his three game suspension for his DUI’s and his three game suspension for being placed on the Roster Exempt list could be served concurrently. If he fails to reach a deal prior to September 4th, he will not be eligible to report to a team until week 7.
Perhaps none of this bother Jackson because he was planning on sitting out until week 10, then reporting for the last 6 games in order to qualify as a free agent after this season.
Jackson is asking for 10 million dollars a year in a 5 year contract. Perhaps if he would have compromised his demands, he might be a Minnesota Viking right now. The Vikings are in need of a receiver since Sidney Rice has just had surgery, Percy Harvin is dealing with health issues, and the Vikings turned to 31 year old Javon Walker, who has been very unproductive the past several seasons.
The Seattle Seahawks were the only team granted permission to talk with the receiver, but have not made a move as of yet.
Chargers Jackson likely not going to Seattle now
Troubled San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson was believed to be headed to the Seattle Seahawks. Not so much anymore, Seattle just announced the signing of Brandon Jones, who missed all season last year while he was with the San Francisco 49ers.
So what will be the future for Vincent Jackson now? His own team doesn’t want him.He doesn’t want to be with them either. The Seattle Seahawks which have teased big name wide receivers this offseason decided to go another direction. The Chargers should have more aggressively tried to move Jackson around the draft because his trade value is falling fast. A few months ago, it was believed the Chargers were asking a trade package in return to what the Denver Broncos received for Brandon Marshall. doubt there is any team in the league that would surrender two #3′s in exchange for Jackson now let alone tow #2 picks.
Jackson should have simply returned to the Chargers, a strong pass oriented team, signed his tender, and played into becoming a free agent in the off season. He has either ignored the advice from his agent, or got really poor advice from his agent. Either way, both parties are losers here. Jackson and the Chargers are not going to get what they originally thought they were going to get.
He just should have come to camp, signed his tender, logged 90 receptions for 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns and gone elsewhere for a fat payday. Now, not so much.
Chargers Mathews early favorite for award
The San Diego Chargers aggressively moved up in the draft to select Ryan Mathews in the first round and it’s apparent now why they did so, he has to be considered the early favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Mathews has carried the ball 21 times in 2 games for the Chargers and has rushed for 103 yards, he’s added 24 yards on three receptions.
After this year’s draft, I thought three backs might be in the running for the ROY award but after the second week of the pre-season I think it’s now clearly Mathews’ to lose. Jahvid Best will be a dynamic playmaker for the Detroit Lions but I don’t believe he’ll get enough touches a game, while he is splitting time with Kevin Smith in Detroit’s backfield. The real threat to Mathews was the Houston Texan’s selection of Ben Tate. Tate was a great fit for the Texans offense as they struggle to find a fulltime back. Tate suffered a season ending injury last week.
Dallas Cowboy’s WR Dez Bryant might mount a threat but the Cowboys simply have too many offensive weapons they need to feed the ball to. First overall pick of the St. Louis Rams, Sam Bradford, could make a run but after last night’s performance, 6-14 for 24 yards, that is doubtful.
Based on what we’ve seen early on, I think Mathews is in line for around 1400 total yards and 9 scores, proving the Chargers knew what they were doing when they moved up to acquire Mathews.
Eric Schmidt is the Lead NFL Blogger for RantSports.com where he writes and edits RedZoneTalk.com, your one stop place for up-to-the minute NFL News.
