"There is possibly good news for Chargers fans on the Vincent Jackson front.

That is, if it is good enough news that the spectacularly gifted receiver could be around for one more year, if there is a franchise tag as part of the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement and if $10 million is enough for Jackson to show up to work on time.

There remains almost no chance the Chargers will sign Jackson to a long-term deal. The team believes the anticipated price tag (his agents were at one time asking for $50 million over five years) is too high, and it remains troubled by the receiver's DUI history and the fact Jackson drove on a suspended license for an extended period. There's also the specter of a possible mammoth suspension should Jackson have more off-the-field issues.

But the team is considering using the franchise tag on Jackson - if whatever labor deal is reached before the next season allows for such a designation.

In fact, the only question likely remaining is which tag they could/would place on Jackson.

First, no one is certain what a tag would look like (and if there will even be one) under a new CBA. And even if the franchise tag rules remain the same, the Chargers would have to choose between putting the exclusive or non-exclusive tag on Jackson.

The exclusive tag would mean Jackson would be guaranteed a one-year salary worth the average of the five highest-paid receivers (expected to be more than $10 million) but 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 (not going to happen) or be entitled to two first-round picks as compensation for losing him."