The Chargers Aren’t Interested in Terrell Owens as a Fill-In for Vincent Jackson
The San Diego Chargers have had an ongoing problem at wide receiver (WR) this offseason. As a Vincent Jackson suspension plus holdout appears inevitable, the Chargers receiving corps will be a concern. The team has also stated that they are not interested in bringing in free agent Terrell Owens (T.O.) to take Jackson’s place while contractual issues are solved.
"We're all set right now with our receivers," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith stated. "I don't want to be involved. A lot of people have us targeted (with T.O.), but they know I wouldn't do it."
This is in spite of a long holdout from Jackson, who refused to sign his one-year, $3.268 million tender, which the Chargers lowered to $583,000 after the June 15th deadline. Left tackle Marcus McNeill has taken the same approach, possibly leaving the Chargers without two of their top players entering the season.
A possibility for Jackson and McNeill is holding out during the first ten games of the season, then rejoining the team. However, that may hurt the Chargers in the early part of the season.
"They have rights," Smith said. "Unfortunately, it's not good for us to win a championship without our Pro Bowl left tackle and wide receiver. Not every player can get max contracts. The more star players you have, the more difficult it becomes. But it's very difficult to win championships without your best players. Everyone knows that. But championships also are won by remarkable people who persevere. I'm not dreaming."
Smith told reporters that he doesn’t believe Jackson and McNeill will return until Week 10, which is the deadline for them to receive credit for an accrued season. That would make the Pro Bowl receiver an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season.
Sources have recently noted that if Jackson doesn't report to the Chargers by at least the day before their fourth preseason game, the team can place him on a “roster exempt” list for three games. This means Jackson might have to sign by Week 7 to avoid the possibility of being denied an accrued season.
Jackson will already be serving a suspension for the first three games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. The suspension will still be considered as served even if Jackson holds out.
Smith has noted that Jackson wants a similar deal to the five-year, $50 million contract the Miami Dolphins gave Brandon Marshall this offseason, after trading for him. However, the GM insisted he won't budge.
"I don't know if our guys or their agents think A.J. will fold, but my history should tell you something," Smith said. "I won't be telling anything to these two guys; I have nothing to discuss."
Smith’s reasoning may stem from the uncertainty around the league. Many know about a possible lockout in the 2011 season if a new CBA agreement cannot be reached. This season is uncapped, meaning fifth year pros, such as Jackson, are denied the opportunity to be unrestricted free agents.
"In a normal year, we would be doing contracts," Smith said. "My philosophy has not changed. I want to identify people and keep them. Under normal conditions, maybe we would have signed them. It's a unique year, a difficult year."
It has also been a very difficult offseason for Owens, who doesn’t seem to be attracting interest from many teams. The controversial receiver spent the 2009 season with the Buffalo Bills and caught just 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns, some of the lowest numbers of his 14-year NFL career.
The Chargers missing Jackson for the first ten weeks would be a huge blow to the team if the role of the deep threat cannot be filled. In turn, Owens has already been snubbed by several contending teams and continues his search for a new job.
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