On the heels of a message board report I was actually able to confirm with some sources, some Jacksonville Jaguars executives flew to San Diego yesterday.
What for?
The weather, right?
Maybe since the Jaguars scored a combined 3 points on the left coast last year, they want a better plan of heading out west?
Maybe a California Burrito?
There has been a lot of speculation about San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson. There have been trade winds blowing lately about the Seahawks, Redskins, and the Chicago Bears having interest. There was also a report of a "mystery" team in the mix. Is it possible Jacksonville is that team?
I honestly don't believe so, but I've been wrong plenty.
The move just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. In order to get Vincent Jackson, who is a restricted free agent, you're going to have to give up at least what the Miami Dolphins did for Brandon Marshall. The Dolphins sent the Denver Broncos two second round picks.
That's a lot.
That's especially a lot for a team whom a lot of people believe will be targeting a quarterback in the 2011 NFL draft. Yes, with a trade like that you'd still have a first round pick... but you severely limit your chances of moving around without a 2011 and 2012 second round pick. Not to mention the fact that Vincent Jackson is staring in the face of a possible 4-game suspension.
I have no idea why the executives would fly out to San Diego, but I personally do not believe it was for discussions about Vincent Jackson. Jackson's not even in California right now, he's in Arizona training with current Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Would I be okay if they made a play?
Absolutely.
I just don't see it happening.
Maybe they just wanted to visit where the Germans landed in 1904 to found San Diego.
Update 11:20 AM EST
Friend and former Florida Times-Union beat writer Michael C. Wright sent me this a few moments ago. It's somber, but ponder it.
Elsewhere, billionaire Ed Roski Jr. is still trying to return professional football to the Los Angeles area.
Last year, he secured all the approvals to build an $800 million stadium in City of Industry and indicated he might pursue the Chargers, 49ers, Raiders, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars or Minnesota Vikings.
In January, a Roski executive said the focus would be the Jaguars and Bills, but both teams have since expressed desires to stay where they are.
Now comes word that Roski has hired veteran public relations consultant Ben Porritt, spokesman for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. The move comes as Roski’s stadium plan faces stiff regional competition.
Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, which owns the Staples Center, where the Lakers and Clippers play professional basketball, began discussing building a $1 billion NFL stadium next door in April.