Vincent Jackson For Logan Mankins: What The Trade Could Mean For Both Teams

The San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots have reportedly been in talks to swap disgruntled players Vincent Jackson and Logan Mankins, according to Comcast SporstNet New England's Tom E. Curran.

Wow.

Fresh off the heels of the Randy Moss trade, New England clearly isn't done addressing the current situation of their 53-man roster. They remain devoted to fielding a competitive team, even as closely as this year.

The Chargers have made it abundantly clear that they won't deal with players who cause problems in their locker room.

So what would this deal mean for both sides?

Patriots: Really?

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 29: Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by Demorrio Williams #53 and Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 29, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Har

After trading disgruntled receiver Randy Moss, who was upset over his contract, it seems rather odd to go after Vincent Jackson, who is also seeking big money.

This is made even more interesting by the fact that while Moss was sent home for being 10 minutes late to practice in a blizzard, Vincent Jackson was late to a playoff game because he was busy being arrested.

Hardly seems like the "Patriot Way" type of guy, if you ask me.

Chargers: Really?

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 03: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots looks on before the game against the New York Giants on September 3, 2009 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Chargers have a fairly talented offensive line. Guard doesn't seem to be an immediate need for them, even in the wake of the Louis Vasquez injury.

The offense has been putting up yards through the air at will, and admittedly, Mankins is much more a pass blocking guard than a true road-grader in the run game.

Patriots: I Suppose It Makes Sense...

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers attempts to make a play on a pass that was originally called a reception but was over turned on a coaches challenge against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their AFC Divisional Playof

The talk of New England for the past 48 hours has been the new dynamic of the offense without a deep threat in the receiving corps. Brandon Tate has shown some burners in the return game, but nothing much else to speak of as a true receiver.

The Patriots wouldn't get Vincent Jackson until at least Week 6, so they'd still have to make adjustments to their game plan for the Baltimore game. But getting Jackson in by the end of the season would mean maybe all is not lost for the team this season.

Chargers: I Suppose It Makes Sense...

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 8: Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers reacts against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chargers defeated the Giants 21-20. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty I

The situation between the Chargers and Jackson doesn't appear anywhere near a happy ending. Perhaps the best way to go about business at this point is to just move forward with getting him out of their hair and ending this whole mess.

If the Chargers can remain competitive without Jackson, it would be a reminder to the team that if you don't want to be there, you don't have to be there. And they don't need you there.

Only problem with that logic is that the Chargers are currently 2-2. A game against the Raiders could help that much, at least, but a trade could help increase the morale in their locker room with 53 men ready and willing to show up each day.

Patriots: Contract Issues

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers readies himself before playing the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium on September 27, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The Patriots didn't re-sign Randy Moss. He's arguably the best deep-ball receiver in the game, but at his age, how much more were the Patriots going to get out of him?

And as mentioned earlier, with the uncertain labor situation looming, the Patriots were wise not to pay a 33-year-old receiver a long-term deal when there may not even be football next year.

Perhaps paying a 28-year-old Jackson is easier in terms of that one key word that Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft love more than their wives: value.

Chargers: Contract Issues

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 02: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots reacts after BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 2, 2008 in Indianapoli

In case you didn't know, Chargers GM AJ Smith is about as stubborn as they come. He balked at the idea of giving a two-time DUI offender a long-term deal in the uncertain labor situation the league is heading nearer to.

Mankins hadn't been a character concern until this season, and it may be a bit easier for Smith to swallow the contract he'd be giving Mankins.

Patriots: Why Not

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts to an official's call in the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

As mentioned earlier, the Patriots just traded one of the best deep-ball receivers of all time. Acquiring another one whose character issues seem to be only worse than Moss' may be counterproductive.

Bill Belichick said he "never had a problem" with Randy Moss. If AJ Smith were to say anything remotely resembling that, he'd look like a giant idiot.

Chargers: Why Not

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots completes a drill before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2007 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriots won 28-7. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Ima

The Chargers don't need a guard, as mentioned in a previous slide. Even if they needed one, with all the money their players are demanding, do you think they'd spend top dollar for one?

Furthermore, while trading Jackson may eliminate the problems in the immediate future, it may send the wrong message to the other players in the locker room that whining and holding out based on contractual disagreements is a good way to get what they want.

Conclusion

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide Receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers reacts after a catch against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium on September 27, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

In fantasy football, if you're not happy with a player, you can immediately begin looking for someone else to pick him up.

In real football, contracts, morale, long-term production, and many other factors come into play that we don't even know about.

While this could be an interesting deal for both sides, don't cross your fingers, hold your breath, or potentially throw yourself into harm's way in hopes that it'll happen.