Dynasty Diaries: Vincent Jackson

Last season was pretty weird for Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson. After posting two very good statistical years, Jackson found himself slapped with the franchise tag. Wanting a long-term deal, he threatened to sit out the season if he didn't get it. The organization called his bluff, but it turned out Jackson wasn't bluffing. This resulted in Jackson missing most of one of his prime years despite not suffering an injury.

When he did return to the lineup, it didn't take long to make his presence felt. He exploded in Week 15 against the 49ers, catching five balls for 112 yards and three TDs. Unfortunately it was only one of four games in which Jackson recorded a catch, and he ended the year with only 14 catches.

He finds himself in the same scenario heading into 2011. Chargers GM A.J. Smith has come out and said he's not giving Jackson a long-term deal, and the Chargers plan to hit him with the franchise tag again. Will 2011 be a carbon copy of 2010 for the talented receiver?

Jackson now knows the team won't budge to his demands. He also saw several receivers step up and fill his void throughout the year, including Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee and even Seyi Ajirotutu at times. All the leverage is clearly with the team, not the player, as the passing offense was superb even without its top receiver for most of the year.

With that being the case, expect Jackson to sign the tender early this time and play a full season. He should be a lock for another 1,000-yard season if he doesn't miss any games, and he should also contribute between 8-10 TDs. Remember, he had two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before his 2010 holdout, and he scored a combined 16 TDs in 2008 and 2009.

As he's only 28 years old, Jackson represents a top receiver in his prime that may not come with a massive price tag in dynasty fantasy leagues. With Philip Rivers throwing Jackson the ball, the only thing keeping Jackson from a return to form is another contract holdout, and I don't see that happening again. Inquire with the Jackson owner in your league and see what he wants for the star receiver; if it's less than WR1 value, jump at the opportunity.

R.J. White | Twitter: @RJWhite1

R.J. White has written for Fantasy FanHouse and NFL FanHouse since 2009. He also works as the head writer and head editor at the Fantasy Baseball Cafe and Fantasy Football Cafe, and as the marketing manager and assistant editor at Scene In S.A. magazine.