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Another wide receiver signed a lucrative contract extension, and once again, it is not San Diego holdout Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson.

But expect Jackson and his agents to take notice. Dallas’ Miles Austin, on the benefit of a breakout 2009 season, signed a new deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports its worth $57 million over six years.

I’d expect Jackson to ask for a tad more, particularly since he is a more established player than Austin. Jackson’s agents have denied they have asked for Brandon Marshall money, but I don’t think they would accept a long-term deal for less than the five years and $50 million that Marshall received.

Jonathan Feinsod, one of Jackson’s agents, said during the weekend that the team had a one-year contract workout with an unnamed team but San Diego couldn’t come to a draft-pick compensation agreement with the team. I don’t know what the one-year deal was worth, but if talks commence again with Jackson and that team or another, San Diego may give permission and I’d think it’d be for a higher average than Austin is receiving from Dallas.

While there has been no progress in the Jackson stalemate, there is plenty of action elsewhere and it will have an affect on the Jackson situation whenever it is resolved.

Tony Romo throws to Miles Austin for a touchdown in Dallas' 16-14 preseason victory against San Diego.

If the Dallas Cowboys are interested in Oklahoma State prospect Dez Bryant, why wouldn’t they be interested in Denver restricted free agent Brandon Marshall?


Dallas has the No. 27 pick in the draft and it is planning to work out Bryant. Clearly, there is interest in adding a receiver. Bryant, even though he may slip down the draft board because of off-the-field questions, likely won’t be available at No. 27. Dallas would likely have to trade up to get him.

If the Cowboys want Marshall, they could very well get him for the No. 27 pick. Denver put a first-round tender on Marshall and would like a first-round pick in return for him.

Yes, Marshall wants a contract extension and he isn’t exactly looking for a bargain deal. Yes, Dallas also must address receiver Miles Austin. But Bryant wouldn't be a cheap pickup, either.

And we are talking about Jerry Jones here. There is enough money in Dallas for Marshall and Austin. If Dallas wants another big-play receiver, Marshall could be the answer.

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Here are areas each AFC West team needs to improve upon from their performance in Week 5:

Denver -- Early deficit: In the past two games, against Dallas and New England, the Broncos fell behind 10-0 in the first quarter. Of course, Denver came back to win both games. Still, this is dangerous living. The Broncos have been excellent in the final three quarters, but they need to make life easier on themselves and play better in the first quarter.

Kansas City -- Pass defense: The Chiefs would have beaten Dallas if it weren’t for a breakdown in the pass defense. Dallas receiver Miles Austin scored on two long touchdown passes in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Kansas City can’t win if it continues to have those types of breakdowns.

Oakland: Pass more: Even though Oakland doesn't trust quarterback JaMarcus Russell, it can’t win if it only throws the ball 13 times like it did against the Giants. The Raiders, who play Philadelphia on Sunday, could very well fall behind again this week. If so, the team has to, at least, try to throw the ball.

San Diego -- Start fast: The Chargers have struggled by starting slowly all season. But in their last game, in Week 4 at Pittsburgh, it got ridiculous. Pittsburgh jumped out to a 28-0 lead. San Diego roared back to make the score a respectable 38-28. Something will have to give Monday night against Denver. The Broncos have been starting slow lately, too. It’s a perfect time for San Diego to buck its own trend if stumbling out of the gate.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson

Falling

Russell

1. JaMarcus Russell's pass attempts: Even when they are trying to play catch up, the Raiders are not opting to do so with Russell’s passing. He attempted just 13 passes Sunday in a 44-7 loss to the New York Giants.

According to ESPN’s Stats & Information, it tied an NFL record for the fewest pass attempts by a team that lost by 35 points or more. It is clear Oakland just doesn’t trust Russell.

2. Chargers’ harmony: The Chargers made some bye-week noise when general manager A.J. Smith called the team soft. Linebacker Shawne Merriman said the comments by the boss were unnecessary. The Chargers are 2-2 and not all is well as they prepare to face first-place Denver.

3. Chiefs’ pass defense: The Chiefs’ pass defense wasn’t great going into Week 5, but now it is struggling badly. Dallas torched Kansas City in the fourth quarter and in overtime on Sunday in a 26-20 win.

Dallas had 348 yards passing and receiver Miles Austin scored on pass plays of 59 and 60 yards in the fourth quarter and in overtime. Austin had 250 yards receiving.

Rising

Orton

1. Kyle Orton's pass attempts: Denver beat New England in large part because of Orton. He completed 35 of 48 passes for 331 yards.

Orton showed that he can lead Denver even if he has to drop back and throw.

Orton was brilliant in the fourth quarter and in the lone overtime drive as he outdueled Tom Brady and showed great leadership.

Royal

2. Eddie Royal, Broncos, receiver: The second-year receiver finally had the big game that had been expected from him all season. Royal had 91 catches as a rookie, but had just eight catches for 58 yards in the first quarter of the season.

Sunday, though, Royal had 10 catches for 90 yards.

Seven of his catches went for first downs. Royal looks like a Wes Welker-type player in coach Josh McDaniels’ system.

Bowe

3. Dwayne Bowe, receiver, Chiefs: Bowe gave the Chiefs a chance to win Sunday against Dallas before the Cowboys won in overtime. Bowe had a 16-yard touchdown catch in the final moments of regulation as the Chiefs sent the game to overtime. He had 74 yards on five receptions. Bowe has been slowed by injuries and a preseason trip to the bench. But he showed Sunday he can help Kansas City.