Seahawks: Given permission to talk with Jackson
The Seahawks have been granted written permission by the San Diego Chargers to discuss contract terms with holdout Vincent Jackson(notes), Seattle general manager John Schneider said through a team spokesman Friday. Chargers GM A.J. Smith declined to comment on the situation, but the Seahawks said they have talked to Jackson's agents about the contract compensation that could pave the way for a trade for the wide receiver.
While no significant progress has occurred to this point, two sources close to the situation said San Diego is committed to trading Jackson, who is believed to be seeking a long-term contract worth more than $9 million per season, because the team expects that he will not report at all this season
According to one of the aforementioned sources, the Seahawks received the letter granting them permission in the past two weeks. Earlier this offseason, Seattle was reportedly interested in signing Jackson as a restricted free agent, but no deal was struck. Jackson's rights have since reverted exclusively to the Chargers. However, the two sides have not been able to agree on a long-term contract.
While it's unclear what the Chargers seek in return for Jackson, the Broncos received two second-round picks when they shipped Brandon Marshall(notes) to Miami in April.
Both Jackson, who is represented by Neil Schwartz and Jonathan Feinsod, and the Chargers have held their ground. Jackson did not sign the one-year tender of $3.268 million by June 15. After that, the Chargers reduced the one-year tender to $583,000, furthering the divide between the sides.
Last week, the Chargers sent Jackson (along with holdout offensive tackle Marcus McNeill(notes)) a letter informing him that he would be placed on the Roster Exempt List if he didn't sign his tender offer by Friday. The designation means Jackson would be ineligible to play for three games following the day he signs and that he has to report by Week 8 in order to get his six games and accrued season.
Jackson has developed into one of the best deep threats in the league, averaging 17.8 yards per reception over the past two seasons. He has also averaged 57 receptions, 1,132 yards and eight touchdowns in that time. For his five-year career, Jackson has averaged 17.2 yards per catch.
Despite the production, San Diego apparently has been hesitant to re-sign Jackson to a long-term deal partly because of off-field issues. Jackson is facing a three-game suspension whenever he plays again because of violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He has twice been charged with driving under the influence.
