The Chargers want to keep WR Vincent Jackson around, and according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the team is thinking about using the franchise tag on Jackson. That is if a labor deal is reached before the next season and allows for such a designation.
An exclusive tag would mean Jackson would be guaranteed a one-year salary worth the average of the five highest-paid receivers, which could be more than about $10 million.
If they do that, he would not be unable to negotiate with any other teams. A non-exclusive tag would mean he gets the $10 mil-plus salary but would be able to negotiate with other teams. If he did agree to a contract with another team, the Chargers would be able to match the offer to keep him or be entitled to two first-round picks as compensation for losing him.
The team views Jackson, who has sought as much as $50 million for five seasons, as a risk because of his arrests for DUIs and driving with a suspended license. There is the potential for a long suspension from the NFL if he gets in more trouble off the field.