Should the LA Chargers pursue DeSean Jackson?

The LA Chargers should have one primary goal this offseason: to make Justin Herbert’s life easier. Nearly everything the team does is going to look to capitalize on this potential Super Bowl window with Herbert on his rookie deal.

The main area to address is the offensive line, which was one of the worst in the league last season. Herbert needs more protection. No ifs and or buts about it.

The team could also look to add weapons as well. Hunter Henry is a free agent and his return is not guaranteed. Zach Ertz has been mentioned as a potential target for the Chargers, although I am skeptical it will happen.

The team could also look to add to the receiving corps. Mike Williams is making elite wide receiver money this season and is not an elite wide receiver. While unlikely, he is a cap casualty possibility.

Keenan Allen is great and Tyron Johnson is definitely fine as the third receiving option. However, it is easy to not love the depth after the top three receivers. Jalen Guyton had the case of the drops last season and rookies K.J. Hill and Joe Reed did not show enough to be comfortable with heading into next season.

The Chargers do not have the salary-cap space to pay a premier price for a receiver, but they could look to sign a cheap veteran for depth. A new potential target has emerged in DeSean Jackson, who has been released by the Philadelphia Eagles and plans on playing in 2021.

That raises the question:

Should the LA Chargers pursue DeSean Jackson?

Quick answer: No.

In all seriousness, the LA Chargers pursuing DeSean Jackson just doesn’t really make sense. Jackson is not that good of a receiver anymore and he would not be adding any tangible depth. Even with his drop problems, Guyton is a better option at this point and I would much rather give snaps to the young guys than Jackson.

Heck, I am not even someone who necessarily wants to see the LA Chargers spend a draft pick in the first three rounds on a wide receiver but I would much rather see the team do that than, quite frankly, waste a roster spot with Jackson.

Jackson has played eight combined games the last two seasons, hauling in 23 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Sure, that is a 16-game pace of just under 800 yards and six touchdowns, but he would not put up those numbers over a 16-game season.

Jackson is past his prime and there are so many other better options for the Chargers. Not just externally, but internally as well.

And we cannot mention Jackson without mentioning the anti-semitic comments he made last summer. All in all, it just is not a good fit.