2012 NFL Free Agents: Why Vincent Jackson to the Patriots Is a Perfect Fit

The 2012 NFL free agent class is stacked with talent. One of the most dynamic players is San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

Jackson had his third 1,000-yard season, with 60 receptions for 1,106 yards along with nine touchdowns.

The Chargers and Jackson have had their issues in the past, which includes a hold out from Jackson which caused him to miss most of the 2010 season. This will most likely have Jackson looking to move elsewhere in free agency.

This is where the Patriots come in to play. They have a great offense with two game-changing tight ends in Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. The Patriots also have a great receiver in Wes Welker who has great hands and plays the slot well.

However, during the Super Bowl, it was clear that the Patriots needed help at wide receiver. Brady had all day to throw but the receivers could not get open on a Giants secondary that has its holes. Deion Branch is a solid receiver but is not someone you want to have as your number one target.

What the Patriots are missing is a deep threat. Jackson is the perfect person to fill that missing threat. Tom Brady had the best year of this career when he had Randy Moss on his team as a deep threat.

If Jackson joined the Patriots, Brady should have similar success.

Jackson would be the fourth player on that offense that defenses would have to watch. Gronkowski and Hernandez would cover the middle of the field, while Wes Welker can catch the quick slants and run on the flat. This would leave Jackson as the deep threat down the field and as a deep threat over the middle.

Another benefit for both sides, is that Jackson won't demand for the ball. Bringing in another receiver that was a number one receiver on their former team could be trouble. Those types of receivers are used to receiving the ball on a regular basis and would have to adjust to Brady throwing to multiple targets.

As for Jackson, he has never caught more than 69 catches in a season and is used to playing with a top tight end in Antonio Gates.

Jackson is still in the prime of his career and can still win a championship if he goes to the Patriots. Going to Foxboro will not only help Jackson become a better player, it will also help the Patriots win another Super Bowl.