The Seahawks and Redskins are interested in possibly trading for Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson. Sources confirmed that San Diego and Seattle discussed a potential trade earlier this month, but the Chargers turned down the deal. It is not known whether the Redskins have been in contact with the Chargers about Jackson.

The Chargers released strong safety Kevin Ellison. "Somewhat," Ellison said when asked if he expected the move. "You never really know. ... It's been an interesting couple of weeks." His early release signaled that not only was he going to lose his starting job, but he was not wanted even for depth. "After the minicamp and our offseason program we felt we were going to go another direction at this time," general manager A.J. Smith said. "Letting Kevin go now gives him an excellent chance to get with a team before training camp gets underway."

Sources have told the San Diego Union-Tribune that Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill could stay away from the team until after Week 10 of the upcoming season. They are both restricted free agents seeking new deals and they refused to sign their tender by the midnight deadline on Monday. Jackson and McNeill would need to play six games in 2010 in order to earn an accrued season. Both players want to be credited with this season so they can become unrestricted free agents if the rules change under a new collective bargaining agreement.

The Chargers have added insurance at wide receiver by signing Josh Reed. San Diego's Vincent Jackson is threatening to hold out for a majority of the summer. Reed, a second-round draft pick out of LSU in 2002, has 311 career catches for 3,575 yards and 10 touchdowns in eight seasons with the Bills. "We are excited to have Josh join us," Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said in a statement. "He was a consistent performer in Buffalo for many years. With his experience, he will be a solid compliment to our receiving corps."

The Chargers have not contacted free-agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, according to a league source. San Diego might need help at wide receiver should Vincent Jackson attend his holdout through the summer. NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi strongly doubts that Chargers head coach Norv Turner would have interest in Owens.

The Chargers have signed three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tra Thomas to a one-year contract. The move appears to be insurance for left guard Marcus McNeill should he continue his holdout throughout the summer.

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left guard Marcus McNeill are prepared to hold out in hopes of getting a new contract with the team. San Diego's front office sent the players letters informing them that their salaries would be cut if they didn't sign their tenders by next week, but the players have a plan of their own. Not only will McNeill and Jackson not sign the current or reduced tender, they do not plan to report for the start of training camp and quite possibly well beyond, according to league sources.

The Chargers have warned wide receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill that their salaries will be reduced if they don't sign their contract tenders before June 15. San Diego general manager A.J. Smith confirmed to the Union-Tribune that the players were sent letters. According to the newspaper, Jackson's salary would be slashed from $3.268 million to $583,000 if he doesn't sign by next week and McNeil's pay would drop from $3.168 million to $600,000.