Vincent Jackson Likely To Sign Elsewhere

With the news yesterday that the Vikings have cut cornerbacks Cedric Griffin and guards Anthony Herrera and Steve Hutchinson the early vibe was that the team would be $23 million under the salary cap for the 2012 season and would be spending once the free agency market began. All that is true, but then came the wish of getting the most coveted wide receiver set to hit the market in Vincent Jackson set to leave the San Diego Chargers. Obviously, V-Jax is a big-bodied wide receiver who capable of playing outside and being a legit red zone threat capable of catching touchdowns.

Then tonight the news comes along that the frontrunners for V-Jax are that of the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins from Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune provided he is to leave San Diego. Trust me in saying that I read a colossal amount of football articles and can safely say that Acee is one of the best beat writers in the country. Vikings fans are privy to one in Tom Pelissero and Acee is just as legit.

It makes perfect sense for the Bears and Redskins to be well ahead of the Vikings in the race for V-Jax. Bears quarterback Jay Cutler turns 29 next month, has longed for a legit deep threat at wide receiver and their Super Bowl window is closing considering the age of some key members of their defense. Washington just traded for the pick to select Robert Griffin III wiping away their second round pick this year and their first round picks from 2013 and 2014, yet they’re $40 million under the salary cap and can afford to make a big splash in free agency more than the Vikings can. One of the best things you can do for a young quarterback is to provide him with a legit #1 WR and V-Jax would provide RG3 exactly that.

In the end, V-Jax to the Vikings didn’t make the most sense in the world. He’s 29-years-old, is set to command a 5-year deal worth north of $40 million and the Vikings have to look younger. It’s widely assumed they’ll look at younger, more affordable targets such as Robert Meachem and Pierre Garcon. But we’ll certainly have a clearer picture in 2 days when the market officially opens up. Stay tuned.

Jon Merckle may be followed on Twitter @thevikingpig