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Does Smith have another deal up his sleeve?
By Michael Lombardo
SDBoltReport.com
Posted May 12, 2008
A.J. Smith is one of the most aggressive general managers in the NFL, so don’t believe for a second that his draft-day trade with the Patriots is the only deal he’s been working on this offseason. Team expert Michael Lombardo breaks down another potential deal, one that would pay short- and long-term dividends for the franchise.
What’s the proposed deal?
Trade wide receiver Vincent Jackson for a second-round pick in the 2009 draft. Teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would all be expected entrants in the bidding for the 6-foot-5, 241-pound receiver.
Why deal Jackson?
The Chargers have a logjam at receiver caused by the return of Eric Parker and the development of Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee. As the roster stands now, Davis would likely be the No. 4 receiver one year after being tabbed with a first-round pick. Naanee would be the No. 5 receiver and would be inactive on most game days.
The reason for moving Jackson instead of Parker, Davis or Naanee is that Jackson carries the most trade value. His value is at an all-time high after he averaged 100 yards per game in three playoff contests. However, that productivity came when Antonio Gates rendered ineffective by a toe injury. Jackson has been known to lose focus and disappear for long stretches in games; it remains to be seen if he can maintain his postseason efficiency as the No. 3 option in the passing game.
What are the short-term payoffs?
The Chargers receiving rotation falls into a natural order with Jackson out of the picture. Chris Chambers is still the top target while Parker returns to his old role as the No. 2 receiver. Parker has been productive in that role, totaling at least 47 catches and 650 yards every year between 2004-2006. Jackson failed to meet either of those numbers as the No. 2 last season.
Behind the starters, Davis would play out of the slot and Naanee would continue to develop as the No. 4. Kassim Osgood can drop no lower than No. 5 because he must be active on game days to contribute on special teams. This leaves the No. 6 slot open for Malcom Floyd, a talented developmental project the Bolts don't want to give up on yet.
What are the long-term benefits?
Firstly, the team recoups the second-round pick it traded away to land FB Jacob Hester. With the Chargers expecting two compensatory picks next year, that would give Smith at least nine selections to work with. That could prove crucial just one year before several core players come up for free agency.
Speaking of the possible mass exodus in 2009, dealing Jackson would alleviate a big contract from Smith’s to-do list. By not having to commit money to a new deal for Jackson, Smith can concentrate on players like Shawne Merriman, Philip Rivers and Marcus McNeill.
Are there any drawbacks?
The Chargers would hate to give up on a player of Jackson’s ability, especially after spending three years grooming him. He has the size of a tight end; yet his ability to drop his hips and create separation downfield is on par with the top receivers in the game. He is a dynamite target in the red zone and along the sidelines, especially on third down. Additionally, he boasts big-play ability, as evidenced by average of 16 yards per reception.
Dealing Jackson is especially scary because he played at a Div. II college and is only 25 years old. His best football may still be ahead of him and he could turn out to be a classier version of Terrell Owens.
Deal or no deal?
All signs point to no deal for the time being. Smith is a firm believer in competition and hopes his overloaded receiving corps brings out the best in everybody. He is determined to surround Rivers with as many weapons as possible as Rivers tries to join the ranks of draft classmates Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning.
Jackson could still be moved, especially if a team loses a big receiver in the preseason and gets desperate for a replacement. Barring a blow-away offer, however, expect the Chargers to stand pat. Smith would rather cut a good receiver at the end of camp than wind up without one at the end of the regular season.
....Most Charger fans seem to think this won't happen but thought I'd post it anyway....
By Michael Lombardo
SDBoltReport.com
Posted May 12, 2008
A.J. Smith is one of the most aggressive general managers in the NFL, so don’t believe for a second that his draft-day trade with the Patriots is the only deal he’s been working on this offseason. Team expert Michael Lombardo breaks down another potential deal, one that would pay short- and long-term dividends for the franchise.
What’s the proposed deal?
Trade wide receiver Vincent Jackson for a second-round pick in the 2009 draft. Teams such as the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would all be expected entrants in the bidding for the 6-foot-5, 241-pound receiver.
Why deal Jackson?
The Chargers have a logjam at receiver caused by the return of Eric Parker and the development of Buster Davis and Legedu Naanee. As the roster stands now, Davis would likely be the No. 4 receiver one year after being tabbed with a first-round pick. Naanee would be the No. 5 receiver and would be inactive on most game days.
The reason for moving Jackson instead of Parker, Davis or Naanee is that Jackson carries the most trade value. His value is at an all-time high after he averaged 100 yards per game in three playoff contests. However, that productivity came when Antonio Gates rendered ineffective by a toe injury. Jackson has been known to lose focus and disappear for long stretches in games; it remains to be seen if he can maintain his postseason efficiency as the No. 3 option in the passing game.
What are the short-term payoffs?
The Chargers receiving rotation falls into a natural order with Jackson out of the picture. Chris Chambers is still the top target while Parker returns to his old role as the No. 2 receiver. Parker has been productive in that role, totaling at least 47 catches and 650 yards every year between 2004-2006. Jackson failed to meet either of those numbers as the No. 2 last season.
Behind the starters, Davis would play out of the slot and Naanee would continue to develop as the No. 4. Kassim Osgood can drop no lower than No. 5 because he must be active on game days to contribute on special teams. This leaves the No. 6 slot open for Malcom Floyd, a talented developmental project the Bolts don't want to give up on yet.
What are the long-term benefits?
Firstly, the team recoups the second-round pick it traded away to land FB Jacob Hester. With the Chargers expecting two compensatory picks next year, that would give Smith at least nine selections to work with. That could prove crucial just one year before several core players come up for free agency.
Speaking of the possible mass exodus in 2009, dealing Jackson would alleviate a big contract from Smith’s to-do list. By not having to commit money to a new deal for Jackson, Smith can concentrate on players like Shawne Merriman, Philip Rivers and Marcus McNeill.
Are there any drawbacks?
The Chargers would hate to give up on a player of Jackson’s ability, especially after spending three years grooming him. He has the size of a tight end; yet his ability to drop his hips and create separation downfield is on par with the top receivers in the game. He is a dynamite target in the red zone and along the sidelines, especially on third down. Additionally, he boasts big-play ability, as evidenced by average of 16 yards per reception.
Dealing Jackson is especially scary because he played at a Div. II college and is only 25 years old. His best football may still be ahead of him and he could turn out to be a classier version of Terrell Owens.
Deal or no deal?
All signs point to no deal for the time being. Smith is a firm believer in competition and hopes his overloaded receiving corps brings out the best in everybody. He is determined to surround Rivers with as many weapons as possible as Rivers tries to join the ranks of draft classmates Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning.
Jackson could still be moved, especially if a team loses a big receiver in the preseason and gets desperate for a replacement. Barring a blow-away offer, however, expect the Chargers to stand pat. Smith would rather cut a good receiver at the end of camp than wind up without one at the end of the regular season.
....Most Charger fans seem to think this won't happen but thought I'd post it anyway....
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They traded for Chambers and knew exactly what they were getting in him. Matter of fact, the reason they traded for Chambers is that NONE of their other WR's were legit threats on or could stretch the field. All they had before Chambers was complimentary type WR's and showed flash here & there, but were never consistant. Why lock up a WR whose only asset is blocking or can't perform consistantly? A few plays or a game doesn't make a true NFL starter or a player worthy of being locked-up.
