Un-Locked?

The new CBA is reportedly almost finished, and the lockout could end as early as today, July 21st. The one thing that has not been settled is the Brady case. Ten players, including quarterbacks, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and of course Tom Brady want the franchise tag to be removed. Each want a long term contract, not a one year tender.

Also involved are Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson. Just in case you've been living under a rock this past year, both of them feel they were disrespected by their teams. Jackson, wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers, was offered a 3.3 million dollar tender in the 2010 offseason. The money was one thing, but the length of the contract was another. VJ wanted to know that the Chargers wanted him. He wanted them to give him a long term contract, to stay in San Diego. The deal he wanted was not given. Instead of taking the 3.3 million and playing the entire season, Jackson held out on his team for the first ten games. He was declared on the

roster for the final six so he could have an accrued season. San Diego, including Quarterback Philip Rivers, missed his freakish athleticism for most of the season. The only happy person in that situation was Chargers G,M AJ Smith. He only had to pay Jackson three hundred thousand rather than the 3.3 million. Most Charger fans thought 100% that VJ would be gone by next year. Manager Smith thought otherwise. The unexpected occurred when, as soon as the season ended, Jackson was franchised tagged. Only two reasons can be for this ironic move.

1.) To involve Jackson in a trade for draft picks or talent.
2.) Use his talent to increase the receiving corps.

Mankins story is pretty similar. He was offered the same amount as Jackson, and did the same thing, held out. He played the final nine games, instead of five. Unlike Jackson, Mankins asked for a trade.

But like Jackson, he didn't get what he wanted. The both of them know the 2010-2011 season is over, and it's on to the next one. It's clear that Mankins wants to take his talents elsewhere, but Jackson could very well, stay in San Diego. As soon as the lockout ends, we'll find out.

The lockout isn't over yet though. Sources have told ESPN insider Adam Schefter that none other than the troublesome Logan Mankins and Vincent Jackson have demanded that they become free agents or paid ten million dollars in settlement.

Would two players hold up the NFL season? I HIGHLY doubt it.

With reports looming all around about them, Jackson and Mankins both have said they have made no demands. VJ tweeted this on Tuesday.

"Preciate the support guys! Can't believe all u read or see in media. I have made no demands, I wanna play ball like the rest of my peers!"

By the meaning of what he said, he has no involvement with the ending of the lockout.

When a new CBA is reached, and the lockout does end, expect the unexpected in free agency, trades, and other offseason moves. Players should be looking forward to this season more than ever. Us fans should be very excited for some football.