Sunday, September 12, 2010

Vincent Jackson: Chances Increasing For Vikings To Acquire Pro-Bowler



Bernard Berrian Might Be Traded Away For Vincent Jackson







SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 20:  Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers prepares to enter the game against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on December 20, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
San Diego Chargers' Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson






For those that have not been following the Vincent Jackson suspension/trade talks, allow me to fill you in really quick.

Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers is currently facing a three game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy, which was announced on July 1, 2010.   Last Saturday, an unnamed team reportedly made Jackson's agents a one-year deal to acquire the 2009 Pro-Bowler. The offer was rejected by the Chargers. San Diego's asking price was originally expected to be for a  first-rounder, maybe even more. But with nobody willing to give up that much, the Chargers were out of luck.

Since then, they have lowered their asking price to both a second and third round pick.

It's not been revealed how much Minnesota offered, but we just know that it wasn't enough for San Diego to let him go to the NFC.

On September 11, rumors resurfaced that the Vikings would be willing to offer more if Jackson's suspension is kept at only three games, rather than six, which he could face.

Vincent's best season occurred last year when he recorded 68 catches for 1,167 yards, and nine touchdowns in only 15 games.

Even though his reception numbers aren't great, Philip Rivers is a quarterback that loves to distribute the ball to all of his targets, which include Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd.

With his 6'5", 230 pound frame, Jackson has the ideal size for a wide receiver. Despite not having the greatest speed, he is able to overpower the defenders that attempt to cover him.

It became abundantly clear that the Vikings are missing Sidney Rice after only scoring nine points on Thursday night's opener against the New Orleans Saints.

The fact that Brett Favre doesn't have a "big" receiver to throw to at the moment could be a cause for concern for Minnesota.

Although Sidney Rice is expected to be back after week eight, the Vikings could use Vincent Jackson for only one year.

If he fits in well with Minnesota, they could opt to sign him to an extension, but that doesn't seem very likely at this point in time.

As a Vikings fan, I am willing to admit that Minnesota's offense could be in trouble if Minnesota's main targets can't step up.

Bernard Berrian has seemed to struggle ever since Sidney became "the man" for Brett to throw to. Perhaps jealousy really does factor into football.

Only joking, people.

Don't get me wrong, I do not condone the multiple times Jackson has broken the law, but his talent on the field is something that will undoubtedly overshadow his troubled past.

It's been stated that Vincent will likely never play a down for San Diego again, so why not trade him away to a team that you will only face every few years or so?

Both the Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams were in the hunt for Jackson at one point, but talks between respective parties fizzled after they couldn't come up with the proper deal for San Diego to accept.

At this point, the Chargers should accept whatever they can get for him. Nonetheless, anything less than a fourth-rounder would be ludicrous for San Diego.

Minnesota's offense would reach the level of unstoppable with Jackson, Rice, Percy Harvin, Berrian, and Visanthe Shiancoe as weapons for Brett Favre to throw to.

However, I do believe Berrian could be included in the deal for Jackson.

San Diego's passing game will take a serious hit if they are unable to find a suitable replacement for Vincent. Legedu Naanee won't cut the cake, unfortunately.

Where we stand now, trade talks are somewhat at a minimum, but you never know what can happen in a matter of hours when it comes to the NFL.

With the false reports of T.J. Houshmandzadeh signing with the Vikings, and Brett Favre retiring for good, I'm not sure what to believe or not believe any more these days.

Until I hear it from Brad Childress, himself, I tend to ignore whatever rumors come about. With that said, I am hoping that this one is absolutely true.

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