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Vincent Jackson wasn't traded today. He won't be eligible to play before Week 7, and the chances of him being traded at all are greatly diminished.
Jackson's agents worked out deals with at least one team, believed to be the Vikings, and possibly one or two others. But those teams wouldn't meet Chargers GM A.J. Smith's demands -- reportedly a 2nd- and a 3rd-round pick -- so a deal didn't get done.
One of Jackson's agents said something to the effect of "Archie Manning had it right; that's why Smith is the 'Lord of No Rings.'" He was referencing why the Mannings engineered Eli's trade from San Diego to the Giants some years back. Funny, but true so far. And it's fair to wonder how this non-deal benefits the Chargers in any way.
It seems like Smith simply didn't want Jackson to get what he wanted, and that's why a deal didn't get done. The Vikings were supposedly offering a 2nd-rounder and a conditional pick -- which seems reasonable for a guy who won't play for the Chargers again and will be a free agent next year -- but not, apparently, to Smith.
Jackson will now be suspended through Week 6, so teams will be in no rush to trade for him. By that point, maybe the teams who were interested won't be; they certainly won't want to pay Jackson as much for less time on the field, or compensate the Chargers as much.
I don't actually have a ton of sympathy for Jackson, who's saying "I just want to play football... It feels unethical" what Smith has done. Obviously Jackson didn't just want to play football, or he'd have signed his $3.15 million tender and reported to training camp.
But beyond proving a point about what a tough guy he is, it's not clear what Smith is doing, and how this benefits the Chargers in any way.
--Andy Richardson
- Comments [5]
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Posted by Robert Heater | Sep. 22 at 12:21 PM
It seems to me that Smith values his reputation as a tough trader / negotiator more than he values the W/L record of the franchise. Good thing he's had stud QB's (Brees, Rivers) in an inept division to buoy the record.
Posted by Jose Montana | Sep. 22 at 02:36 PM
It really seems unfair to the fan who wants to see the best athletes play football. The Raider fan can't be happy beating a Charger team without one of its best players, can he? Poor example... Say the Bronco fan. Reminds me of Eric Rhett about 15 years ago, held out, I don't know if he ever played again. It would be nice if the league set aside some revenues to spread the wealth around a little so the fans can continue to enjoy the best product.
Posted by BEN HOGEVOLL | Sep. 22 at 03:46 PM
Jose,UNFAIR? Are you going to make over 3 million dollars this year?Jackson has a signed contract with the chargers this year and he should honor it.Its nothing but GREEDGREED GREED.His agents while sitting on there fat asses are nothing more than greedy pricks!I hope Mr. Jackson sits at home all season and watches N.B.C. news give out unemployment stats and he had better pray for no lock out next season! Ben
Posted by DAVID DIGREGORIO | Sep. 22 at 11:49 PM
Jose, "spread the wealth" in the NFL? How is that working out for the country? Throughout human history, that slogan has heralded the descent of free people into serfdom. No thanks.
Posted by Ralph Giovenco | Sep. 24 at 03:48 AM
Way to fly off the handle without the facts, Ben. Jackson was/is a restricted free agent. The Chargers tendered the minimum offer - which was rejected. So you're clear, he was/is not under contract. As a Charger fan, I believe Smith is a very good talent evaluator - and a horrible GM.