Vincent Jackson to the Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons Why It Makes Sense

The San Diego Chargers are allowing wide receiver Vincent Jackson to test the free agent market. Unfortunately for Bolts fans, the Chicago Bears make a lot of sense for Jackson.

Aside from joining a potential playoff team, the exposure that Jackson can get by playing in America's second-largest market can't be matched in San Diego.

Southern California is a nicer place to live, but the Chargers play in the AFC West—hardly a competitive division.

The NFC North, with the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions, will be the best division in football next season and more attention will be paid to the Midwest.

But exposure isn't the only reason Jackson going to Chicago will work. 

Cash Money

Vincent Jackson is 29 years old and will not have another opportunity like this one to be a marquee free agent. He must secure his financial security over the next several weeks.

The fans would do well to never forget that the NFL is a business. 

After a compelling season, there isn't any residue from the lockout. In our rush to consume every football morsel available, the underlying current has gone unnoticed—it's all about the cash.

The Chicago Bears can comfortably offer the type of contract that Jackson wants—the primary reason that this pairing will work.

Jay Cutler Can Throw the Ball

If Vincent Jackson goes to the Chicago Bears, he will play with a top-tier talent at quarterback.

Jay Cutler is a pure passer and this pairing would give him someone who can stretch the field. Not only does that help secure chunks of yardage, but it also widens the passing lanes all over the field.

The success of connecting on easier throws will undoubtedly provide a confidence boost, which will only serve to embolden Cutler. It's much easier to perform effectively when a player is in a rhythm.

In addition, Jackson gives Cutler a jump-ball outlet. Cutler can fling the ball up as opposed to the dump off.

The jump ball can be much less dangerous as the quarterback can put the ball where only the receiver can get to it. On the other hand, Dump offs can lead to linebackers getting free hits on the pass catcher or defensive linemen getting their hands on the usually low throw. 

Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett Will Roam Free

Earl Bennett and Johnny Knox aren't capable of creating their own space—their combined 61 catches in 25 games attests to that.

However, with Vincent Jackson on board, they won't have to.

The New England Patriots have used either Randy Moss or their tight ends to open up space for smaller guys to make plays.

Obviously, it's been successful.

The Philadelphia Eagles have relied on small targets to open up the passing windows. Consequently, the Eagles haven't been able to enjoy sustained prosperity.

The physical, fast receiver that gets vertical allows the smaller players to go across the middle against a looser defense. It allows more holes to receive passes and take fewer hits.

Matt Forte Is a Beast

Ryan Matthews hasn't filled the LaDanian Tomlinson void for the San Diego Chargers. Mike Tolbert scores touchdowns, but he isn't a home run hitter.

An elite running back forces safeties to cheat towards the line of scrimmage. That is exactly what a secondary cannot do against players like Vincent Jackson. 

The combination of Jackson and running back Matt Forte will give defensive coordinators nightmares. Cornerbacks aren't big enough to handle the 6'5'' 230 lb wide receiver on their own, yet you have to support the run defense.

Regardless, the Chicago Bears will gladly allow the other team to dictate their offense and attack whichever option the defense neglects.

Winning Is the Best Medicine

The Chicago Bears were rolling in 2011 when all their players were healthy, but injuries to Matt Forte and Jay Cutler cut their great season short.

Vincent Jackson makes a good football team much more dangerous.  

Winning players are rarely seen with a frown. Bart Scott's famous "Can't Wait" was said enthusiastically and with a sense of satisfaction.

Success is an intoxicating substance that induces a visceral feeling of euphoria. The best part is no hangover.

Lastly, victories have a tendency to bring endorsements. Regardless of what Biggie had to say, more financial opportunities aren't a bad thing.