Talk of Rams and Vincent Jackson bubble up again

Speculation is strange thing. You can't ignore it or take it too seriously.

Speculation that the St. Louis Rams are interested in Chargers WR Vincent Jackson picked up again today. Kevin Aceefrom the San Diego Union Tribune said in an online chat with readers that the Rams will be giving the Chargers a call about their disgruntled wide receiver. Here's his quote:

I've heard speculation they will. (Just speculation, albeit from an NFL person, but just speculation.)

They'd be foolish not to, but how far it gets is another thing entirely. 

The group of receivers the Rams started camp with had talent. And for all the concern about their lack of experience, the group's biggest shortcoming is their inability to stay healthy. Donnie Avery is on the shelf for the year; Keenan Burton was pulled from practice today with swelling in his knee (sounds like there's serious concern too); Laurent Robinson who has missed more seasons than he's played, had a mild foot sprain today. Durability from this group must keep the coaches up at night.

Hence the rationale behind kicking the tires on Vincent Jackson. It also suggests that maybe the coaches and front office feel like this team can compete a little this year and viably threaten for the division title next year with a playmaker at the WR position. 

There's no way of knowing just how serious the Rams are, and it's probably just a case of due diligence more than anything else. Beyond those two factors it's a question of opportunity costs, as Jackson won't come cheap in terms of both the trade and the money it takes to sign him.