By: Tyler Ward
Vincent Jackson will report to the San Diego Chargers next week, successfully ending a drama-filled year for the embattled receiver.
When Jackson returns to camp on October 29, he will serve a three-game suspension that the Chargers levied a few months ago. He was placed on the roster-exempt list and must play in the Chargers' last six games to complete his sixth NFL: season. After finishing the season, he will be able to go into unrestricted free agency.
Last week, the NFL Player's Association told Jackson and Logan Mankins, who has also sat out, that they need to return to their teams. Jackson has now said that he will return, but Mankins has yet to decide on the matter. It appeared that Jackson would not play this season as his agent, Neil Schwartz, said that Jackson wanted a bigger contract and if the Chargers wouldn't give it to him, he simply would not play. Looks like he has changed his mind.
The wide receiver will miss games against Tennessee, Houston, and Denver. He will be eligible to return to the Chargers when they take on the Indianapolis Colts on November 28.
Instead of earning the $3,268,000 he was supposed to make this season, Jackson will now making $240,058, which includes the six games he plays in, along with the bye week. He would have earned the $3,268,000 if he had signed the tender before the season started. However, Jackson decided to stick it out and hope that the Chargers would cave and give him a big contract. A.J. Smith, the team's general manager, decided that they would not give in and now, Jackson will be paid less than $300,000 for the rest of the season. Not a very good deal for the two-time Pro Bowler.
But, when Jackson finally returns to the field, I'm sure the Chargers will be happy to see him. Even though the Chargers own the league's #1 passing attack, they are just downright struggling. They are 2-4 on the season, with all four losses coming on the road. Tight end Antonio Gates suffered an injury last weekend and the timetable for his return is unceratin. The addition of Jackson will definitely benefit the team, but only time will tell what happens for the rest of the season. San Diego now has three games to play before they officially get Jackson back and if they want to get back into the playoff race, they will have to win 2, if not all 3, of their games. The Chiefs are currently leading the division with a 3-2 record, so the Chargers aren't out of it just yet.
When the Chargers take on the Patriots this weekend, thay may be without Gates and wide receiver Malcom Floyd. They both missed practice on Thursday and coach Norv Turner has yet to say if they will play on Sunday. With the two possibly being sidelined, quarterback Philip Rivers will have to depend heavily on his receivers. Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee also missed practice. Like Gates and Floyd, it is uncertain if they will play or not, so the Chargers may be in some deep trouble. It's too bad Jackson can't return to the team this week, huh?
Jackson was not the only Charger to try to get a bigger contract this year. Offensive lineman Marcus McNeill felt that he deserved a bigger contract, too. He had sat out the entire season before he returned on September 25. He served his three-game suspension and after he was done, San Diego decided to reward McNeill with a 5-year contract extension worth $48.5 million, with $24.5 million guaranteed.
Jackson had been involved in plenty of trade talks this year, including teams such as the Seahawks, Rams, Vikings, and Redskins. However, agent Neil Schwartz said that a deal was in place, but the Chargers couldn't agree to compensation for the wide receiver. The team was unnamed, but one can only naturally assume. Since a deal was not reached, Jackson was left out in the cold and was forced to either sit out for the season or eventually return to the team for a much-lesser deal. Apparently, he decided to come back.
Jackson is widely considered to be one of the best up-and-coming receivers in the game and has made the Pro Bowl for the last two seasons. Jackson and Philip Rivers are now one of the best quarterback-receiver combos in the league and now, Rivers will finally have him on the field at some point this season.
The wide receiver was drafted by the Chargers in 2005 with the 61st overall pick. Coming out of Northern Colorado, Jackson was one of the tallest and most athletic receivers in the draft. He has lived up to those standards in his first five seasons. His best season came last year when he caught 68 passes for 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns. For his career, Jackson has caught 198 passes for 3,400 yards and 25 touchdowns with the Chargers. He has been a downfield threat thus far in the NFL, averaging an astounding 17.2 yards per catch.
