One result of the ruling on Vincent Jackson‘s current NFL suspension is that it likely will accelerate the timeline for a potential trade.

The details of the resolved grievance are here, but the compromise helps clear the way for a trade in that if Jackson is traded by the Chargers by Sept. 22, he is eligible to report to his new club and practice following its fourth game of the season.

Let’s take a look at what we know and what we’ve heard.

The Seahawks were the first team granted permission to talk to Jackson’s agents, and the Vikings and Rams later explored the possibility of a deal before the start of the season. As reported by Jason La Canfora, the Redskins were known to have interest at one point. Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Seahawks, Rams and a third team — believed to be the Vikings — had been granted permission to talk.

Much of the latest speculation has focused on the Vikings as the hottest pursuer for Jackson. The Vikings have been quiet on the matter, but owner Zygi Wilf didn’t dampen the thought that the team is interested by saying ownership was “all-in” this season, per The Star Tribune. It’s known that the Vikings “immediately balked” at the asking price by Jackson last month.

A late report Thursday from The Washington Post said Redskins coach Mike Shanahan wouldn’t rule out Jackson. There’s also another connection in Washington, as Chargers GM A.J. Smith and Redskins GM Bruce Allen are known to be close.

Taking everything into account, that’s four teams — the Rams, Redskins, Seahawks and Vikings — known to have some link to Jackson. Smith holds the cards in the scenario, and we’ll see where the next week takes us.

– Frank Tadych

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