By now, everyone should know I’ve been a proponent of the Charlie Whitehurst acquisition. Maybe it is too optimistic, but until proven otherwise, I trust the new regime to correctly evaluate talent and pursue players they like.

I don’t want to contradict myself with this post, but I will admit, A.J. Smith and the San Diego Chargers were compensated very well for Whitehurst. In addition to a third-round pick in 2010, the Chargers also jumped into the top of the second round in this year’s draft.

All for a third-string quarterback with minimal experience and an empty resume.

But as I’ve said, I won’t be critical of the acquisition until Charlie Whitehurst proves John Schneider and Pete Carroll wrong. If he develops into a good starter in the National Football League, the entire acquisition will be a bargain for the Seahawks.

And regardless of how pleased the San Diego Chargers were with their compensation, we don’t know what Whitehurst’s actual market value was. We don’t know what other teams were offering, or if the Seahawks grossly overpaid for an otherwise unknown commodity.

A.J. Smith may have indeed fleeced Seattle in the trade, but even if Whitehurst becomes a bargain for the Seahawks, the Chargers and Smith are well known for obtaining good value for their assets.

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Smith selected quarterback Eli Manning with the first overall pick. Less than an hour later, the disgruntled quarterback from Ole Miss was traded to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers and several draft picks. Philip Rivers, of course, has developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback – who some may argue is much better than Eli Manning – and the Chargers used New York’s draft picks to select players like Shawne Merriman and Nate Kaeding.

A.J Smith may take his fair share of criticism, but he won’t undervalue his players in a trade.

To acquire Vincent Jackson from San Diego, the Seahawks are going to probably have to pay a price similar to what Miami gave up for Brandon Marshall. For those of you who don’t remember the specifics, Miami gave Denver second-round picks in 2010 and 2011 in exchange for the troubled, yet talented wide receiver.

And don’t forget, Marshall and the Dolphins subsequently agreed on a four-year, $47.5 million contract extension that includes $24 million in guaranteed money. The new deal made Marshall the highest-paid receiver in National Football League history.

The Seahawks would likely have to compensate both San Diego and Vincent Jackson, and the overall price may be terrifyingly high.

Vincent Jackson has been a productive receiver, and his physical attributes make defensive coordinators cringe. At 6′5″, 230 pounds, Jackson would add size and strength to an otherwise deprived position. And despite Jackson’s size – he weighed around 240 pounds when he was drafted – he still runs a sub-4.5 40-yard dash.

Jackson has only exceeded 1,000 receiving yards twice during his five-year career, but his statistics have improved dramatically each season. Last season, Jackson finished with 68 catches, 1,167 yards and 9 touchdowns.

He isn’t as dynamic or productive as Brandon Marshall, but Vincent Jackson can definitely play wide receiver in the National Football League. Marshall comparisons aside, however, if Jackson can come to Seattle and match his production in San Diego, the Seahawks would be crazy not to pull the trigger on any deal.

The question is, if you were making decisions for the Seattle Seahawks, would you be willing to pay the price to acquire Vincent Jackson?

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
Follow 12th Man Rising