The San Diego Padres are continuing efforts to sign right-hander Edwin Jackson to a multi-year deal, but talks with the free agent and his representation are "just chatter" right now, reports Scott Miller of CBS Sports. Jim Bowden of ESPN reported this weekend that the Padres and Jackson were negotiating toward a three-year deal:

The #Padres are trying to sign RHP Edwin Jackson to multi-year deal, but talks are "just chatter" right now says one who knows

— Scott Miller (@ScottMCBS) December 17, 2012

Padres and Edwin Jackson continue to negotiate towards 3- year deal according to Padres source

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 16, 2012

Jackson has been an enigma since joining the ranks of the major leagues, jumping from team to team while posting inconsistent totals. The 29-year-old has spent 10 seasons in the bigs with seven different clubs.

Jackson signed with the Washington Nationals last offseason and went on to start 31 games for the National League East champions. The right-hander maintained an ERA of 4.03 over 189 2/3 innings.

Over his 10 seasons at the major league level Jackson has posted an ERA of 4.40 with 6.9 strikeouts and 3.5 walks per nine innings. However, he’s maintained an ERA of 3.98 with 7.3 strikeouts and 3.0 walks per nine innings since 2009.