The San Diego Chargers can only bring 53 players into the 2013 season and if fans have it their way, Robert Meachem will not be one of them. The wide receiver joined up with the Chargers last season after four strong years with the New Orleans Saints. He failed to pick up where he left off and it appears he is following that trend into the new season. Despite already losing one wide receiver for the season, Meachem is on the bubble this year.
Meachem admitted that he "sucked" last season. All-in-all, the wide receiver was a free agent bust, putting up just 207 yards and two touchdowns, just one season after recording 620 yards and six touchdowns. Some defended the wide receiver saying the Chargers offense had a down year all together, but the receiver does not look much improved this year either, making him a risk to get cut.
U-T San Diego reports that Meachem's body just is not what it used to be and is simply "breaking down." The wide receiver has undergone multiple knee surgeries, an ankle surgery and a toe surgery all since entering the NFL. The injuries are catching up with the soon-to-be 29-year-old and it is hurting his productivity on the field.
Meachem was given $14 million in guaranteed money in 2012. That includes a base salary of $5 million in 2013. He has yet to earn his pay check. Meachem understands that his production on the field has been less than stellar, stating he is disappointed in himself.
At this point in the season, Meachem is buried in the roster. He continues to struggle to build chemistry with quarterback Philip Rivers and early reports are that he looks more lost in this offense than the one run by Norv Turner. In Thursday's preseason game, he remained a non-factor as some beat writers reported he looked lazy during route running.
Meachem is hopeful that he can have a return-to-form year, but the Chargers front office might not be as optimistic.
"This year I just want to be on the same page as Philip (Rivers), be able to run good routes, be smooth in my routes, and just get back to having fun," Meachem said via the U-T San Diego.
San Diego must decide the best move for Meachem. Given his injury history, contract and lack of production he is not tradable. The chargers have to pay him whether he is on the roster or not. Despite already losing receiver Danario Alexander to an ACL tear, the Chargers might elect to cut weight even with the salary cap hit.