We had a very interesting sound-off response this week.
The question was whether San Diego Chargers fans want the team to deal holdout Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. The question was inspired by the news that San Diego gave Seattle permission to talk to Jackson last week. It seems the Chargers are at least toying with the idea of trading Jackson.
After reading the responses, it is obvious many San Diego fans are on board with the idea. I didn’t think that would be the case. But it seems that many fans are ready to move on.
I think Jackson is a big-league talent and I think the Chargers are better with him than without him. But it does not look like Jackson is going to return any time soon and that he may even miss the entire season. At this point, it is a long shot that Jackson will ever wear a San Diego uniform again. If that is the case, why not deal him and get some value for him now?
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who responded:
Robert R. from Chester, Va.,: TRADE JACKSON! Not that he doesn't deserve a larger contract but he's going to be a distraction if/when he comes back. Sure Jackson would be a big loss but Rivers could throw to me, and look good doing it! That, and our current receivers seem ready to shine. I say a second round choice plus fill a need or find some depth? I'm not a huge fan of AJ Smith, but I cannot deny his business savvy. He is not about to set a precedent by caving in to contract demands. Why not get something positive out of this mess?
Eric from Lihue, Hawaii, writes: Regarding the Jackson sound off: As a Charger fan who seemingly gets his heart broken by the team year after year, it's hard to stomach paying a player like Jackson the kind of money he's requesting with all his off the field issues. In-Game mistakes mad by our "good" role model players like Gates, Rivers, or Tomlinson (while still a Charger) are much more forgivable than by Merriman, Cromartie, or VJax who spend a lot their free time partying and drinking. We shouldn't reward players who don't take ALL elements of their fame/place in society seriously; we set them up for failure and to further be "bad" role models for the kids in San Diego.
Drew from San Diego: Now that its clear VJ will never wear a Charger uniform again we need to trade him to maximize value, whether that be now or before the deadline mid season when some contender is desperate. It hurts that we won't get to see this guy play anymore after we watched him blossom these last couple seasons. Impulsively I would like to see some players come to us in a trade, but doubt that we could get anyone worthwhile so I think the asking price has to be a 1st round pick. There are only a few receivers that are even close to VJ's talent and size and if he had played on a different team his numbers would be even more ridiculous then they already are in what is a very balanced SD attack. Imagine this guys numbers on a team where he doesn't have to share opportunities with Antonio Gates...
Paul M. From San Diego: I like that the Chargers are slow-playing a Vincent Jackson trade, however I do believe that it needs to happen. The probability that he ever plays for the Chargers again given this holdout and the obvious gap between he and AJ Smith appears to be marginal at best. If we can get a second round pick or perhaps a third and fourth rounder for him, I'd take it in a second. AJ may have a bad reputation for the way he "treats" some of the veterans (although Jackson's DUIs and antics during the Jets playoff loss such as kicking the penalty flag haven't exactly earned my respect) but when it comes to the draft, AJ is one of the better GMs in the league. Turn a problematic player who is quickly turning into the next Terrell Owens into more ammunition for AJ in April and I'll be stoked.
Daniel from Los Angeles: Were it not for multiple DUIs, the idiotic moves(kicking penalty flag), and presence of a QB who makes every receiver better I'd say SD should hold out. Those negatives of Jackson and the amazing talent Rivers brings out of guys (like he did with Jackson) make the case for a trade. Floyd and Naanee both had great plays throughout last year. Along with Gates, SD's receiving corps is still solid. Get the draft picks you can from whoever wants this diva. He's already down the path of being troublesome both on and off the field. San Diego doesn't need the ego of this guy messing with the team chemistry. Cromartie did it and now even Jammer admits Cro was a distraction. LT did it and Rivers admitted it was a distraction. This ego needs to be out of the Bolts' locker room.
Gavin from San Diego: There is no need for this guy on the Chargers anymore. He partied on the night before the Jets playoff game, kicked a flag to get a penalty in the desperate moments of the game, and gets suspended for the beginning of 2010; this along with his habitual DUI problem has gotten tiresome. For some reason he thinks this behavior is deserving of a long term contract with the CBA expiring. He, his agent or both are out of their mind because there is no way he is getting Brandon Marshall type money.
Steven Ramirez from Santa Barbara. Calif.,: I believe Jackson should be traded for a future 1st rounder and a 3rd rounder, but if the case of him being dealt for two 2nd picks, would that be a fair trade at all?
Kevin B. from San Diego: Bill,VJ is a big strong strong receiver who has pulled off quite a few game winning catches. The Chargers do not have any receivers on the team that is as strong when getting pushed around in their route or having a DB hanging on him while making a catch. The talk is that the Chargers can move on without him, but I think it would not be a prudent move. Until the Chargers offense proves that they have a solid run game to depend on VJ is too important to let go.I see VJ's point of getting paid because his salary plus Floyd's salary did not even match Buster Davis' salary. We know Buster is fragile, and VJ is solid as rock physically, so I say keep VJ at 7.3m per year. In reality, AJ has a plan to keep payroll at certain levels while keeping competition high. I believe in his system and vision. VJ has proven to be a talented but immature drunkard, and AJ will do the RIGHT THING for the Chargers. My mantra is, "division, conference, Super Bowl." This Chargers fan wants a ring so bad....
Mike from San Francisco: Jackson is one of the top deep threats in the NFL and one of the top 10 receivers overall in the league. If AJ and Spanos want to win, they need to pay him. This is coming from a guy who loathes the way NFL players and agents only honor contracts when players underperform. Really, I do. But SD has another golden opportunity to get to the superbowl. The chances are better w VJ on the field. He's young, and only getting better.
Jay from El Paso: I absolutely think the Chargers should trade VJAX. He has cause more headaches than payoff in recent years. I mean he's been arrested, fined, suspended, and now this holdout, and he's only really put up two quality years of top WR performance. I don't think the Seahawks will be much of landing spot, the Redskins seem like a better fit. But is there any chance that Oakland, who is in need of a top WR trades for VJAX? The Raiders have never been shy about taking in guys with a checkered past, and they can offer him the contract he wants. All this and only give up a few picks (2nd in 2012, and a 3rd in 2011)
Donniedoom619 from Killeen, Texas,: I think its crazy to let him go after all he's done. He's played solid his whole time in san diego especially after becoming a full time starter. His hold out is foolish but AJ should have already had deals on the table before the season ended. He knew VJ,MM and Gates were all due for deals..I like Floyd and Naanee at the 1 and 2 but with VJ in there thats one of the most dangerous tandems in the league hands down. Getting more draft picks are nice but if you wanna win a championship right now then you sign your proven veterans.
The question was whether San Diego Chargers fans want the team to deal holdout Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson. The question was inspired by the news that San Diego gave Seattle permission to talk to Jackson last week. It seems the Chargers are at least toying with the idea of trading Jackson.
After reading the responses, it is obvious many San Diego fans are on board with the idea. I didn’t think that would be the case. But it seems that many fans are ready to move on.
I think Jackson is a big-league talent and I think the Chargers are better with him than without him. But it does not look like Jackson is going to return any time soon and that he may even miss the entire season. At this point, it is a long shot that Jackson will ever wear a San Diego uniform again. If that is the case, why not deal him and get some value for him now?
Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who responded:
Robert R. from Chester, Va.,: TRADE JACKSON! Not that he doesn't deserve a larger contract but he's going to be a distraction if/when he comes back. Sure Jackson would be a big loss but Rivers could throw to me, and look good doing it! That, and our current receivers seem ready to shine. I say a second round choice plus fill a need or find some depth? I'm not a huge fan of AJ Smith, but I cannot deny his business savvy. He is not about to set a precedent by caving in to contract demands. Why not get something positive out of this mess?
Eric from Lihue, Hawaii, writes: Regarding the Jackson sound off: As a Charger fan who seemingly gets his heart broken by the team year after year, it's hard to stomach paying a player like Jackson the kind of money he's requesting with all his off the field issues. In-Game mistakes mad by our "good" role model players like Gates, Rivers, or Tomlinson (while still a Charger) are much more forgivable than by Merriman, Cromartie, or VJax who spend a lot their free time partying and drinking. We shouldn't reward players who don't take ALL elements of their fame/place in society seriously; we set them up for failure and to further be "bad" role models for the kids in San Diego.
Drew from San Diego: Now that its clear VJ will never wear a Charger uniform again we need to trade him to maximize value, whether that be now or before the deadline mid season when some contender is desperate. It hurts that we won't get to see this guy play anymore after we watched him blossom these last couple seasons. Impulsively I would like to see some players come to us in a trade, but doubt that we could get anyone worthwhile so I think the asking price has to be a 1st round pick. There are only a few receivers that are even close to VJ's talent and size and if he had played on a different team his numbers would be even more ridiculous then they already are in what is a very balanced SD attack. Imagine this guys numbers on a team where he doesn't have to share opportunities with Antonio Gates...
Paul M. From San Diego: I like that the Chargers are slow-playing a Vincent Jackson trade, however I do believe that it needs to happen. The probability that he ever plays for the Chargers again given this holdout and the obvious gap between he and AJ Smith appears to be marginal at best. If we can get a second round pick or perhaps a third and fourth rounder for him, I'd take it in a second. AJ may have a bad reputation for the way he "treats" some of the veterans (although Jackson's DUIs and antics during the Jets playoff loss such as kicking the penalty flag haven't exactly earned my respect) but when it comes to the draft, AJ is one of the better GMs in the league. Turn a problematic player who is quickly turning into the next Terrell Owens into more ammunition for AJ in April and I'll be stoked.
Daniel from Los Angeles: Were it not for multiple DUIs, the idiotic moves(kicking penalty flag), and presence of a QB who makes every receiver better I'd say SD should hold out. Those negatives of Jackson and the amazing talent Rivers brings out of guys (like he did with Jackson) make the case for a trade. Floyd and Naanee both had great plays throughout last year. Along with Gates, SD's receiving corps is still solid. Get the draft picks you can from whoever wants this diva. He's already down the path of being troublesome both on and off the field. San Diego doesn't need the ego of this guy messing with the team chemistry. Cromartie did it and now even Jammer admits Cro was a distraction. LT did it and Rivers admitted it was a distraction. This ego needs to be out of the Bolts' locker room.
Gavin from San Diego: There is no need for this guy on the Chargers anymore. He partied on the night before the Jets playoff game, kicked a flag to get a penalty in the desperate moments of the game, and gets suspended for the beginning of 2010; this along with his habitual DUI problem has gotten tiresome. For some reason he thinks this behavior is deserving of a long term contract with the CBA expiring. He, his agent or both are out of their mind because there is no way he is getting Brandon Marshall type money.
Steven Ramirez from Santa Barbara. Calif.,: I believe Jackson should be traded for a future 1st rounder and a 3rd rounder, but if the case of him being dealt for two 2nd picks, would that be a fair trade at all?
Kevin B. from San Diego: Bill,VJ is a big strong strong receiver who has pulled off quite a few game winning catches. The Chargers do not have any receivers on the team that is as strong when getting pushed around in their route or having a DB hanging on him while making a catch. The talk is that the Chargers can move on without him, but I think it would not be a prudent move. Until the Chargers offense proves that they have a solid run game to depend on VJ is too important to let go.I see VJ's point of getting paid because his salary plus Floyd's salary did not even match Buster Davis' salary. We know Buster is fragile, and VJ is solid as rock physically, so I say keep VJ at 7.3m per year. In reality, AJ has a plan to keep payroll at certain levels while keeping competition high. I believe in his system and vision. VJ has proven to be a talented but immature drunkard, and AJ will do the RIGHT THING for the Chargers. My mantra is, "division, conference, Super Bowl." This Chargers fan wants a ring so bad....
Mike from San Francisco: Jackson is one of the top deep threats in the NFL and one of the top 10 receivers overall in the league. If AJ and Spanos want to win, they need to pay him. This is coming from a guy who loathes the way NFL players and agents only honor contracts when players underperform. Really, I do. But SD has another golden opportunity to get to the superbowl. The chances are better w VJ on the field. He's young, and only getting better.
Jay from El Paso: I absolutely think the Chargers should trade VJAX. He has cause more headaches than payoff in recent years. I mean he's been arrested, fined, suspended, and now this holdout, and he's only really put up two quality years of top WR performance. I don't think the Seahawks will be much of landing spot, the Redskins seem like a better fit. But is there any chance that Oakland, who is in need of a top WR trades for VJAX? The Raiders have never been shy about taking in guys with a checkered past, and they can offer him the contract he wants. All this and only give up a few picks (2nd in 2012, and a 3rd in 2011)
Donniedoom619 from Killeen, Texas,: I think its crazy to let him go after all he's done. He's played solid his whole time in san diego especially after becoming a full time starter. His hold out is foolish but AJ should have already had deals on the table before the season ended. He knew VJ,MM and Gates were all due for deals..I like Floyd and Naanee at the 1 and 2 but with VJ in there thats one of the most dangerous tandems in the league hands down. Getting more draft picks are nice but if you wanna win a championship right now then you sign your proven veterans.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
You must be signed in to post a comment