Chargers Devastating Pride

The San Diego Chargers had a 4 p.m. deadline yesterday to trade wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Yet, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith failed to make a trade for Jackson with the Minnesota Vikings (who subsequently signed Hank Baskett), because Smith believed that the draft picks offered in exchange were insufficient.

So here is where this leaves everyone: The Vikings settled for Baskett, a second tier receiver to Jackson. Jackson is stuck on the Chargers' exempt list where he is likely to sit out the entire 2010 sesason. And, the Chargers are forced to keep Jackson around (even when they will never let him back on the field) instead of having the opportunity to boost the team with some great draft picks in 2011.

Smith is known for letting his pride get in the way of trades, as seen with the draft and subsequent trade of Eli Manning several years ago. It's time San Diego fans stand up and challenge his ways, because there is no denying the Chargers continue to disappoint. Soon enough the Chargers are going to start to resemble the greedy ways of David Caruso and Terrence Howard - you hold out long enough and let your pride get in the way, you end up leaving the red carpet for basic cable.