San Diego Chargers Now Expected to Try and Keep Vincent Jackson

Last week, it became apparent that the San Diego Chargers would not use the franchise tag on Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson for the second year in a row. To many, that signaled that the team was willing to part with its talented wideout, but apparently, that isn't yet the case.

The NFL Network's Michael Lombardi is now claiming that the Chargers will do everything in their power to retain Jackson. While the two parties haven't always gotten along swimmingly, both sides are apparently very open to working out a long-term deal.

The problem is, teams like the St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears are all sure to be interested in throwing big money at a star wideout, and Jackson certainly fits that profile.

ESPN's Bill Williamson believes that if the Chargers make a competitive offer for the 29-year-old, he may choose to stay in San Diego because he loves his coaches, teammates and the city. That is great news for Chargers fans.

Jackson's return would be gigantic for San Diego because of how important he is to the team's offense. After being drafted in the second round of the 2005 NFL draft out of Northern Colorado, Jackson has spent his entire seven-year career with the Chargers. In that time, he has piled up 272 receptions for 4,754 yards and 37 touchdowns.

In 2011, he played in 16 games, catching 60 passes for 1,106 yards (an average of 18.4 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns en route to his second Pro Bowl appearance.

Jackson's ability to stretch the field while also having the ability to work as a possession receiver and his outstanding rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers are the two main reasons why he should be retained at all costs.

The Chargers have too many holes on their roster to have to worry about finding a big-time playmaking receiver to fill Jackson's shoes.