David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers signed former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem to a four-year deal worth $25.9 million in 2012 with $14 million worth of guaranteed money and a $7.5 million signing bonus.
Meachem had an awful 2012 NFL season posting career lows with 207 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions to go along with 14 receptions which was the second-lowest total of his career.
U-T San Diego writer Tom Krasovic said that Meachem could be traded if he has a strong showing in the preseason. Meachem is guaranteed $5 million in 2013, which could make it difficult for San Diego to trade him.
Meachem’s most productive game in 2012 was against his former team when he had three receptions, 67 receiving yards and two TD receptions.
The signing of Meachem by former Chargers general manager A.J. Smith may have been a bad one from the start because Meachem showed signs that he was declining prior to joining San Diego.
After having his best season in 2009 with 45 receptions, 722 receiving yards and nine TD receptions, Meachem had 44 receptions, 638 receiving yards and five TD receptions in 2010.
In his final season with the Saints, Meachem had 40 receptions, 620 receiving yards and six TD receptions. Meachem was brought in to be the replacement for Vincent Jackson who signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. Meachem had knee surgery after the 2011 season, which could have contributed to his struggles.
Meachem lost his starting job to former St. Louis Rams WR Danario Alexander who led San Diego in receiving yards per game and was tied with Antonio Gates for the team lead with seven TD receptions last year.
Meachem ranked 112th, 192nd and 227th in TD receptions, receiving yards and receptions in 2012. Meachem’s salary cap hit ranks 11th among wide receivers in 2013 so he has to play better this season.
