The Seattle Seahawks confirmed Friday that they have been granted permission to negotiate with Jackson, but a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that neither a contract agreement with the Pro Bowl wide receiver nor a trade with the Chargers is close. That could change over time, but the process isn't far along right now.
The source also said that the Chargers haven't given McNeill permission to talk with other teams. That news comes two days after the two-time Pro Bowl left tackle reportedly met with Chargers general manager A.J. Smith so he could better understand where the team stood on his contract.
McNeill's agent, Alvin Keels, confirmed to The Associated Press last week that the Chargers have threatened to place McNeill on the roster exempt list if he doesn't sign his one-year tender by Friday. If he goes on the roster exempt list, McNeill couldn't play in the next three games after he signs.
Jackson, who also was offered a one-year tender, could be placed on the roster exempt list as well if he doesn't sign. He also has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the season for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
McNeill and Jackson, who want long-terms deals, are believed to be willing to sit out the first 10 games of the season, returning for the final six in order to accrue a season toward unrestricted free agency. However, being placed on the roster exempt list would force them to move up their returns, if they intend to play at all this year.
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