Vincent Jackson to Seattle Still Possible?

The Seahawks are moving on without T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and younger receivers on Seattle’s roster should benefit from his departure. Mike Williams, who many considered wasted talent prior to last month, will have an opportunity to start at wide receiver. Golden Tate, Deon Butler, and other younger receivers will have a lot of balls thrown their way with T.J. out of the picture.

For now, the Seattle Seahawks are supposedly committed to the young players on their roster. But with Houshmandzadeh presumably leaving town, there are widespread rumors the Seahawks will seek another younger, more capable replacement.

The Seahawks have obviously been interested in acquiring Vincent Jackson from San Diego for some time. According to rumors, Houshmandzadeh’s release could be a step towards a possible trade that would bring Jackson to Seattle.

Seattle was given permission last month to speak with Jackson’s representatives – to discuss contract details, presumably – but nothing materialized in terms of a trade. The Seahawks reportedly balked at Jackson’s request for a five-year, $50 million contract.

Could Houshmandzadeh’s inevitable release mean the Seahawks will reconsider Vincent Jackson? Not likely. But a recent article from the San Diego Union-Tribune creates a bit of intrigue.

According to the article, Jackson may be willing to accept less than what was originally reported:

"The Jackson camp has made it known in various media reports the past week their price is not currently that high.In fact, it is possible the one-year deal for somewhere around $7 million that those close to Jackson said last month that he would be amenable to could be what he eventually accepts from another team. However, such a deal would bring less compensation in trade for the Chargers and could preclude a trade from happening since Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is known to appreciate compensatory draft picks when an unrestricted free agent leaves."

Right now, there is nothing to report regarding the Seahawks and Vincent Jackson. But things develop quickly in the National Football League – like Seattle cutting ties with Houshmandzadeh – and a rumor could quickly turn into breaking news.

Whether the Seahawks are still in the mix for Jackson is uncertain, but expect Jackson to be moved soon if the Chargers can find a deal to their liking. The Chargers dealt for former Cowboys receiver Patrick Crayton today and appear ready to move forward with or without Jackson.

After 3 PM on Saturday, Jackson will be suspended for six games instead of three since San Diego placed him on the Roster Exempt List. Jackson is suspended for the first three games of the season due to multiple DUI arrests, and would have to sit out three additional games after reporting if a deal isn’t completed by Saturday afternoon.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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