San Diego Chargers: Vincent Jackson Can Be Replaced

There is no doubt that Vincent Jackson is an impact player, however, he can be replaced. The average receiver who is considered an elite receiver in the NFL catches approximately five passes per game—adding up to somewhere in the range of 80 receptions per season. Vincent Jackson has yet to eclipse 70 receptions in a single season and has averaged just slightly over four catches per game.

In the 2011 season he had six games where he caught five or more passes, however, he also had six games where he caught two passes or less. 2010 was a complete bust because of the hold out and, in 2009, which was his best season statistically, he had eight games with less than 60 yards receiving.

He eclipsed double digit receptions in a single game only one time in his entire career. It happened this past season against a pass defense that struggled all season—Week 2 against the New England Patriots.

Vincent Jackson has also never had double digit touchdowns in any season of his entire career. For a team that has averaged 28 passing touchdowns over the past five years, one could probably imagine that Jackson, arguably the teams best receiver, would have 10 touchdowns on the year. You also have to consider that the San Diego Chargers is more of a pass first offense.

The Chargers would benefit greatly from keeping Vincent Jackson as you cannot teach someone to be 6'5" inches and run with his speed, while weighing 230 pounds. However, in the event that they are to lose him to free agency, A.J. Smith needs to go after the talent that makes him replaceable. There are some solid receivers in the free agent pool that have been more or just as consistent as Vincent Jackson, who has a tendency of playing two or three good games and then disappearing for three to four weeks.

Obtaining one of the top free agent talents available is the only way in which Jackson becomes replaceable. There are numerous options that can be looked at. They need to go after the following players aggressively in the event that that they lose Jackson: Brandon Lloyd, Steve Johnson, Dwayne Bowe and Marques Colston.

They are all very talented receivers who recorded more receptions than Vincent Jackson and numbers just as comparable. Steve Johnson and Dwayne Bowe will likely sign with their own teams, however, Colston and Lloyd are possibilities based on current situations. 

In the event that all of these options are not available and Jackson is not resigning, they would need to look at a batch of second string receivers with huge upside. Such as, Robert Meachem, Mario Manningham and/or Early Doucet.

Franchising Jackson would be the wrong move as it would cause the distraction of the contract talks all over again. Also, to pay a receiver $13+ million to not record 80 plus receptions doesn't seem to be wise. The Chargers need to begin to develop a plan, if they have not already, for the replacement of Vincent Jackson should he choose to leave.

Any Charger fan will tell you that Vincent Jackson will be sorely missed should he leave. It has been a pleasure to see Jackson become a phenomenal receiver as a Charger. However, change is not always a bad thing and, production wise, it is possible to find a replacement for Jackson given both the system and the man who is playing quarterback for the San Diego.