NFL Free Agents 2012: Vincent Jackson Would Be Hottest Game-Changer Available

If wide receiver Vincent Jackson does indeed hit the free-agent market in the NFL, he will easily be the hottest game changer available.

Teams are going to line up to knock on this guy's doorstep, especially if they are in need of a wide receiver.

Offhand I can think of at least five teams that would be falling over themselves for the chance to get Jackson, and these are only teams that are in desperate situations.

The Minnesota Vikings could really use a big-time wideout, as could the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.

This is not even counting teams like the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos or the San Francisco 49ers who are already playoff teams and could use Jackson as a luxury talent.

Like I said, if the Chargers can't figure out a deal or don't franchise Jackson, he is going to be a huge name.

According to NFL.com, there is a possibility that Jackson will hit the open market:

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The San Diego Chargers are not likely to give wide receiver Vincent Jackson the franchise tag if they are unable to sign him, according to the U-T San Diego.

Jackson, 28, had the franchise tag placed on him by the Chargers last offseason, resulting in a one-year contract worth around $11 million. If the team decides to place the franchise tag on Jackson for the 2012 season, it would cost around $13 million. Sources told the newspaper that the team probably would not devote that much money to a single receiver for a one-year deal.

The newspaper reported that the Chargers will likely begin negotiating with Jackson in February. If they do not place the franchise tag on him, Jackson will become a free agent.

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Jackson had a huge season this year putting up 1,106 yards, nine touchdowns and 60 catches.

At 6'5" 320 pounds, he's a huge option for a quarterback to go too, and at 28 he's still young enough to garner a pretty big deal.

He's a game changer on the field, and that will be something that makes him very attractive. He caught 20 catches that were over 20 yards last season, and four that were 40-plus.

He's not only a game changer on the field, but he has the potential to be a game changer for an organization.

If the Chargers aren't willing to franchise him, or if he doesn't want to come back, don't be surprised if he becomes the centerpiece of the 2012 NFL free-agent class.