San Diego Chargers: Vincent Jackson and 10 Guys Who Could Be Gone in 2011
With one more game left in the 2010 season for the San Diego Chargers, A.J. Smith and the Chargers will have some tough decisions to make personnel wise.
Most speculation has surrounded Vincent Jackson after his lengthy holdout, but guys like Darren Sproles and Jacques Cesaire have been rumored to be out the door at the end of this year.
So, with one game left in the season for the Chargers, let's take a look at 10 guys who could be out the door this offseason.
1. Jacques Cesaire
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With the Chargers likely to target a permanent solution at defensive end, San Diego could easily cut ties with Jacques Cesaire, who, while being an adequate run stopper, simply hasn't been productive enough to justify a roster spot.
His contract is up in February, and his performance is such that the Chargers could easily choose to pursue other options.
2. Kelley Washington
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The veteran receiver was brought on this year for depth as the Chargers dealt with a large number of injuries to their group of wide receivers.
With a very solid lineup in place (Jackson, Floyd, Naanee, Crayton, Ajirotutu), the Chargers really have no need to keep him on any longer.
3. Jeromey Clary
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If the Chargers have one weakness on their offensive line, it is Jeromey Clary. He may protect pretty well, but he has a tendency to draw a lot of penalties, and his run blocking leaves something to be desired.
There should be plenty of opportunity for the Chargers to grab a right tackle in this year's draft, and they could very well make the decision to cut Jeromey Clary and run with the draft pick and Brandyn Dombrowski as the two deep at right tackle.
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4. Kevin Burnett
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While it is highly likely that the Chargers will decide to bring back Kevin Burnett, who was one of their most productive defensive players in 2010, his contract does expire at the end of this season, which means that the door is open for the possibility.
It will be an interesting decision for the Chargers. They could very well choose to stick with Stephen Cooper, Brandon Siler, and last year's third round draft pick Donald Butler.
I do see this as being the least likely cuts on the team though. Burnett has simply been too valuable.
5. Buster Davis
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This one is really unfortunate, because Buster Davis has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the San Diego Chargers.
The sad truth is, though, that the former first round draft pick simply cannot stay healthy. He only has two starts in his four year career, and a grand total of 26 career games (6.5 games per year).
Davis may get the chance to find success somewhere else in the League, but San Diego cannot continue to waste roster space because they cannot A.J. Smith cannot deal with a draft bust.
6. Paul Oliver
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If there is one thing that Paul Oliver does well, it is that he makes plays. He's not a great defender, but he has a knack for getting to the quarterback on blitzes, forcing fumbles, and picking off passes that float his way.
The problem is, though, that his contract is up at the end of this season, and the Chargers are clearly looking to find new talent at the safety position after drafting Darrell Stuckey in the 2010 Draft.
7. Vaughn Martin
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As much as I'd love to see Vaughn Martin succeed for the San Diego Chargers, he just doesn't seem to ever get on the field.
He has a lot of raw talent, and the Chargers appear to be attempting to develop said talent, but the Chargers will chase a defensive end in the top rounds of this draft if they're smart about it, and that could leave Martin as the odd man out.
8. Quinton Teal
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Teal has played so little for the Chargers that finding a photo of him in a Chargers uniform is more than difficult.
He was brought in more as a special teams gunner than anything else, but that is a personnel problem that the Chargers will likely address this offseason with other players, considering the apparent need to totally retool punt and kick coverage.
9. Darren Sproles
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There was once a time where I wondered why the Chargers didn't play Darren Sproles more often. That was back when he was shredding defenses around the league, and most knew him affectionately as the Lightning Bug.
That time seems long gone.
Now, Sproles can't seem to get anything done on offense, and he hasn't taken a punt or kick all the way this whole season (which can be just as much a reflection on the Chargers' special teams blocking than on Sproles), and has developed a habit of fumbling, both on special teams and in-game.
The Chargers will not franchise tag him again, that is for sure. Unless Sproles wants to agree to a long-term deal worth $2-3 million per year, he is headed for another team this offseason.
10. Vincent Jackson
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After Vincent Jackson finally ended his lengthy contract holdout, Chargers fans around the world breathed a sigh of relief, because Vincent Jackson is the kind of guy who makes plays happen, and the Chargers could've used that.
The problem, though, is that Jackson wants to be paid like Brandon Marshall, which would be all fine if not for the repeated drunk driving issues.
The Chargers have a tough decision in this one, because San Diego could really use Vincent Jackson in the lineup, but it will be a big risk to take him back if he continues to get in trouble with the law.
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