Patrick Crayton wanted out of Dallas. His wish was granted.
The Cowboys traded Crayton to the Chargers for a seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, a league source said Friday, giving San Diego more depth while Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson holds out from the team.
The deal came one day after Crayton's agent, Fred Lyles, told The Dallas Morning News that he would ask that the Cowboys release his client before Saturday's 6 p.m. ET deadline to set the 53-man roster.
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"It seems he doesn't figure in their plans, so it's not logical to be on the roster until Saturday," Lyles said. "We don't see the use in prolonging it."
Crayton, who is owed $2 million this season, skipped the first three weeks of the team's voluntary workouts during the offseason before participating in early June. During his absence, he indicated to the media that he wished to be released, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it clear that wasn't an option at the time.
Crayton had 37 catches for 622 yards and five touchdowns in 2009, his sixth season in the NFL -- all with the Cowboys. But the team used its 2010 first-round draft pick on Dez Bryant, who figures to see significant playing time at wide receiver.
The Chargers have gone the entire offseason without Jackson, a restricted free agent who wants a long-term deal. The team has granted the Seattle Seahawks permission to talk with Jackson, and the St. Louis Rams also recently expressed interest, but they doubt they will acquire the receiver.
