"Vincent Jackson didn't play as big a role or linger as an issue in NFL labor talks for as long as it was portrayed by some.

But now that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement has been all but officially consummated, Jackson clearly looms large in the mind of Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith.

In the midst of a frenzy of activity at Chargers Park on Monday night, as the team began negotiations with its draft picks and a number of rookie free agents, Smith took time to spin myriad answers to questions about Jackson.

Perhaps with an eye toward quickly being on record about an issue that is sure to be revisited several times in the coming weeks and throughout the season, Smith spoke of both the future and the past of his team's (and one of the league's) top wide receiver.

The Chargers for two years have declined to work on a long-term deal with Jackson, giving him a one-year restricted free agent tender in 2010 and making him their franchise player this year. While the team had previously been interested in an extension for Jackson, his second DUI arrest in three years during the 2008 postseason and a citation for driving on a suspended license on the day of a playoff game after the '09 season put that desire on hold indefinitely.

For all the noise about Jackson being unhappy and making demands that could have held up the CBA negotiations, he is expected to sign the franchise tender and collect his $11.3 million from the Chargers in 2011. Jackson has also made it known he desires to remain in San Diego long-term.

Asked if a productive season on the field and a second straight clean year off the field could mean a renewal of the Chargers' interest in a long-term deal, Smith indicated that it would -- on the Chargers' terms and their timetable."