NFL Trade Speculation: 5 Vincent Jackson Trades That Make Sense for Each Team

Vincent Jackson has been a much-discussed name for almost two full offseasons, and with good reason.

Jackson's situation all started with his decision to hold out of training camp and then the majority of the 2010-11 NFL season. Jackson's desire for a lucrative contract that would give him financial security for the future has made his position with the San Diego Chargers questioned.

The NFL lockout could be over sooner rather than later, and free agency would become the topic of discussion. Jackson was franchise tagged by the Chargers shortly after the season ended with hopes of working out a long-term extension or trading him away for a worthy package.

Whether San Diego should re-sign the Pro Bowler or trade him away is another article in itself. If the Bolts do decide to trade No. 83, these are five deals that would benefit each team involved. 

Honorable Mentions

These are several teams that may become interested, but will likely stay out of the Vincent Jackson trade rumors.

• St. Louis Rams: The Rams were heavily talked about as candidates to land Jackson at the trading deadline last season, but they instead decided to stay contempt with the team they had. This may be the case this offseason as well or they may find a second-tier receiver for a cheaper price. 

• Minnesota Vikings: Sidney Rice will become a free agent this offseason and the Vikings may have concerns about Percy Harvin's durability. This could lead to Minnesota entering trade discussions with the Bolts, but most likely the front office will focus on other aspects of their team.

• New England Patriots: After the Patriots traded away their vertical threat in Randy Moss, the offense lost the "home run threat" of a receiver who created more opportunities for other players. Bill Belichick is a mastermind when it comes to trades, and he could decide to enter the Jackson sweepstakes. Most likely, though, he will leave the offense as is and trust Tom Brady to put points on the scoreboard with what he already has.  

Chicago Bears Trade

Chicago Bears Would Receive: WR Vincent Jackson

San Diego Chargers Would Receive: Two Second-Round Picks

The Chicago Bears are a well-known franchise for having an exceptional defense.

With that being said, their offense has been the exact opposite and stagnant to say the least. The Bears offense ranked 30th in terms of total yards and 28th in passing yards last season. Jay Cutler hasn't been the same quarterback he was with the Denver Broncos and Brandon Marshall, and the reason for this is the lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver in Chicago.

This team is on the climb, as shown by their ability to advance all the way to the NFC Championship game in 2011, but additions to the offense have to be made. Trading for a top-10 receiver in Vincent Jackson may be just what Cutler needs to get the air game back in the "Windy City."

San Diego would obtain two second-round picks from the Bears as they stockpile for future drafts. This may be difficult for the Bears to want to do since having lost two first-round picks in the Cutler deal, but if the front office is serious about staying in contention, then this must be on their minds .  

San Francisco 49ers Trade

San Francisco 49ers Would Receive: WR Vincent Jackson

San Diego Chargers Would Receive: Second-, Third- and Fifth-Round Picks and WR Ted Ginn Jr.

In the 2011 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected former Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick with the 36th pick.

With a rookie quarterback and a rookie NFL head coach in Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers would be wise to add a legitimate offensive threat like Vincent Jackson to the wide receiving core. San Francisco currently possesses Michael Crabtree and Josh Morgan as the starting receivers. These two were productive, but were nowhere near the caliber of Jackson.

The 49ers already have Pro Bowlers Vernon Davis and Frank Gore. By adding Jackson to the puzzle, it makes their offense one that must be played very carefully.

In this trade, the Chargers make away with second-, third- and fifth-round picks and a high-potential receiver/return specialist in Ted Ginn Jr. Ginn hasn't quite panned out with the Miami Dolphins or the 49ers as a receiver, but he has shown that he has brilliant speed and is a dangerous return man. Both of those attributes can be used in San Diego. 

Seattle Seahawks Trade

Seattle Seahawks Would Receive: WR Vincent Jackson

San Diego Chargers Would Receive: Two Second-Round Picks

The Seattle Seahawks have been one of the most publicly discussed teams in terms of acquiring Jackson's services.

Seattle's total offense was ranked 28th last season, but, surprisingly, the Seahawks were 19th in passing offense. While that's not necessarily good, it's not horrible and they can build on it.

There's a decent chance that veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be leaving the Seahawks via free agency, which leaves the team with Charlie Whitehurst as the starting quarterback. Whitehurst showed glimpses of being a worthy starter, but the receiving core isn't as strong as the Seahawks may need it to be to continue being a contender in a weak NFC West division.

Seattle already traded away a third-round pick to the Chargers for Whitehurst last offseason, and with this trade they would ship away two second-rounders for the 6'5", 230-pound Pro Bowl receiver. 

Washington Redskins Trade

Washington Redskins Would Receive: WR Vincent Jackson

San Diego Chargers Would Receive: Two Second-Round Picks and WR Malcolm Kelly

The Mike Shanahan-run Washington Redskins could be very interested in acquiring Vincent "Action" Jackson this offseason.

The 'Skins are coming off of yet another disappointing season, and it's evident that moves will be made before next season. Santana Moss, Washington's most productive receiver, is poised to be a free agent and his age of 32 may steer the Redskins away from re-signing him. Leonard Hankerson was drafted by the Redskins in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, but he cannot step in and be the No. 1 receiver.

Regardless of who will be throwing the football for Washington, whether it be Donovan McNabb or Rex Grossman, the receiving core must be upgraded.

Two second-round picks move from Washington to San Diego in this deal, and this should give the Chargers the firepower they need, should they want to make a draft day trade in the future or stock up on good, young talent.

Malcolm Kelly is a 24-year-old receiver who has been through an influx of injuries, but still has the potential to be a very good player in the NFL. He also has the size that the Bolts normally go for, as he is 6'4", 226 lbs. Kelly would be a throw-in for this deal, but there's no reason for San Diego to turn him down.

Carolina Panthers Trade

Carolina Panthers Would Receive: WR Vincent Jackson

San Diego Chargers Would Receive: Two Second-Round Picks and QB Tony Pike

"With the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Cam Newton, quarterback [out of] Auburn." When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that statement, it began a new era of football for the Panthers franchise.

Newton is poised to be the game-changer for Carolina, but there already lies a problem for the young quarterback. He has no stud wide receiver to throw the football to.

Steve Smith is still the best option in their passing game, but he has already eclipsed the age of 32 and is falling out of his prime. He would be a very good No. 2 or 3 receiver lined up across from Jackson, though.

With Smith and Jackson as Newton's primary targets, Jeremy Shockey at tight end and Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson carrying the football, the Panthers offense could be more than relevant for next season.

The San Diego Chargers would receive two valuable second-round picks in this deal. They also gain a backup quarterback in Tony Pike. Pike would get absolutely no playing time in a Panthers uniform, and might not get any in a Chargers uniform, but he would add to a San Diego depth chart that currently has only Philip Rivers at quarterback.

If Billy Volek decides to re-sign, then Pike turns into a third-stringer and the Bolts worry even less about their quarterback depth.