Unsigned restricted free agent Vincent Jackson’s trade market is heating up with recent reports surfacing of numerous teams’ interest in him, and the growing possibility that the Chargers are willing to unload the 2009 Pro Bowler.
We’ll add this nugget to the rumor mill:
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reports that Jackson is currently in Phoenix, training with none other than Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb. McNabb annually works out in Arizona during the offseason, but Jackson is a new addition to the practice field out west as he continues to stay away from pre-training camp activities in hopes of securing a long-term contract.
As we also would, Wyche cautions to not read too much into the connection. The players are simply trying to stay in shape. The Redskins’ heavily rumored interest in Jackson, however, makes it more interesting than it normally would be.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears “have no plans to pursue Jackson at this time.” NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora tweeted Wednesday that the Seahawks are “best positioned” to make a run at Jackson, but Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst aren’t playing pitch-and-catch with the sixth-year receiver in the desert.
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is known to be “a big fan” of San Diego’s (for now) 1,000-plus yard receiver. The fact that Shanahan’s quarterback has suddenly developed a relationship with the player Shanahan came oh-so-close to drafting in 2005 can only serve to make a V-Jax-to-D.C. trade more likely.