Vincent Jackson’s Trade Value Dropping?

Jason La Canfora of NFL.com wrote an interesting article yesterday that explained Vincent Jackson’s roster-exempt status, a designation given by the San Diego Chargers last week.

Vincent Jackson is already facing a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but could miss up to three more games from being placed on the roster-exempt list. According to La Canfora, Jackson could miss as few as three weeks or as many as six, depending on any potential trade.

From La Canfora at NFL.com:

"According to an NFL spokesperson, if Jackson was traded and reported to his new club before the Sept. 4 deadline for final roster reduction, then his roster-exempt suspension would be served concurrently with the league-mandated suspension, and therefore Jackson could return to the active roster for Week 4.If Vincent Jackson isn’t traded before the 6 p.m. (ET) roster deadline on Sept. 4, he faces missing six games this season even if he’s dealt after that."

In other words, if the Seahawks were to acquire Jackson before September 4th, he could return to the active roster for Week 4. If the Seahawks trade for Jackson after the deadline, he won’t return to the active roster until Week 7.

Coincidentally, the Seahawks face the Chargers in the third week in the regular season. If Seattle deals for Jackson, he won’t be able to face his former team regardless of when the trade occurs.

Jackson’s roster-exempt status, assuming he will eventually be traded to another team, should have an effect on his trade value. The difference between missing three or six games may seem minor in long-term planning, but Jackson’s short-term trade value could take a hit.

Assuming the team acquiring Jackson will reward him with a massive, multi-year contract, the suspension in 2010 should seem quite insignificant. Especially for a team like Seattle, who is focused on rebuilding and long-term success.

If Seattle is serious about acquiring Vincent Jackson, would they be wise to wait until after the deadline?

Santonio Holmes, the 2009 Super Bowl MVP, was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. After the suspension was announced, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets for a fifth-round draft pick.

Holmes, a former first-round pick and only 26 years old, was probably a steal for the New York Jets. Like Vincent Jackson, Holmes’ trade value was lowered by off-field issues and league-mandated suspensions.

Jackson is probably a more accomplished, better receiver, but lowered value is good news for any team looking to acquire him.

Brandon Marshall, whose size, production, and talent are probably more comparable to Jackson than Holmes, was acquired for two second-round draft picks in consecutive years. But Marshall was not facing a suspension and was only traded because of his disgruntled attitude in Denver.

Jackson’s pending suspension is a minor, yet interesting development for anyone following the story closely. Obviously, anyone in Seattle is hoping that he can be had for a bargain price; I wouldn’t expect A.J. Smith to undersell his assets, but a new three-game suspension definitely won’t increase Jackson’s value.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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