2012 NFL Free Agents: Why Vincent Jackson in SF Would Be a Disaster

Upon first glance, one would believe the 6’5”, 230-pound Vincent Jackson possesses all the required tools to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL.

Jackson’s freakish combination of both size and speed have many NFL fans drooling over the possibilities of the 29-year-old wearing their team’s jersey.

But I’m not one of them.

Sure, the guy can put together a highlight reel with the best of them. I’ll be the first to admit, I've been wowed by his physical abilities on several occasions.  

But if you ask me, the occasional jaw-dropping catch Jackson pulls in does more to hide his various flaws than accentuate his overall talents.

In fact, Jackson has so many red flags surrounding him, I'd be shocked to see Trent Baalke and Co. even flirt with the idea of bringing him into the 49ers' sturdy environment.

Starting with his rookie season in 2005, Jackson was held to just three catches in eight total games as a result of injuries and general ineffectiveness. After playing all 16 contests in the '06 season, he piled up just 453 yards on 27 catches, and pulled in a drunk driving charge during the following offseason.

Nevertheless, the Chargers presented him with a chance as the No. 1 option in 2007, where he would again play all 16 games, but still manage just 41 catches and three touchdowns.

Even in his two Pro Bowl seasons ('09 and '11), he compiled a total of just 128 catches. Not once has he recorded double digits in the TD category, despite having an all-pro gunslinger in Philip Rivers rocketing the pigskin his way.

Sure, the guy the puts up ridiculous numbers in terms of yards per catch each season—but why wouldn't he? Rivers hardly even targeted Jackson if he wasn't 30 yards downfield. With 115 targets in 2011, the Chargers' No. 1 option hauled in the football on just 60 of those occasions.

Need another example?

Despite finishing 16th overall in total receiving yards for the '11 season, Jackson ranked a pathetic 87th overall in yards after the catch. Of course there are plenty of running backs and slot receivers that are designed to run after the pass ranking above Jackson, but what good is he in San Fran if he's only useful for the deep ball?

Last time I checked, that isn't Alex Smith's game. Nor is it the type of offense Jim Harbaugh has in mind.

None of this, though, spells potential disaster to me more so than Jackson's antics in 2010.

Prior to that season, Jackson was suspended three games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. To that point, he had been arrested three times (twice for driving under the influence and another for driving on a suspended license).

As if his image wasn't tainted enough, he held out for 10 games in a contract dispute with the Chargers. Still having not learned their lesson, San Diego slapped the franchise tag on Jackson in 2011, keeping him for one more year.

After a Pro Bowl season (not all that impressive of one) in 2011, the Chargers are now deciding to let him test the free agent-market—opting not to use the tag on him a second time.

He is an impressive physical specimen with the big-play ability that puts fans in the seats. I get that, I really do. But San Francisco isn't about chasing big names with expensive price tags.

The Niners let the overzealous owners chase the big fish, and capitalize on the overlooked free agents who display true 49er-type qualities.

Now that you know how I feel, I must ask: Do you want to see Vincent Jackson in red and gold next season?

Follow me on twitter: @B_Burnett49