Inside: A look at where the Chargers got better and where upgrades are needed.
The Chargers were aggressive by adding three offensive linemen, a tight end, and if reports were true, made a push for a top cornerback.
All this occurred during a busy first week of free agency, and the Chargers likely aren’t done adding top free agents, which was evident by their brief chase for cornerback Kyle Fuller, who signed with the Denver Broncos an hour after being officially released by the Chicago Bears.
But the Chargers did retain their own top free-agent cornerback in Michael Davis, one of the notable moves that gave the organization a productive first week of free agency.
The Chargers got better in the interior of the offensive line by adding All-Pro center Corey Linsley, versatile offensive lineman Matt Feiler and reliable offensive guard Oday Aboushi.
But it wasn’t all good news for the Chargers, who lost tight end Hunter Henry to the New England Patriots. They quickly recovered by adding veteran tight end Jared Cook on an affordable contract.
The Chargers got better this past week, but they still have plenty of work to do on the roster as they head into next month’s NFL draft. Here’s a look at which positions need work and which ones are good to go:
Needs work
OFFENSIVE LINE » The Chargers prioritized the offensive line by adding Linsley, Feiler and Aboushi, but they still need a left tackle. That position was also a need last year and the team decided to move Sam Tevi from right tackle to left and didn’t address the position in the draft. Now, the Chargers are in a similar situation and Tevi is searching for a new team as a free agent.
Trey Pipkins, the 2019 thirdround pick, and Storm Norton could be options to fill the vacancy, but both struggled last season. Drafting a left tackle in the first round of next month’s draft would be a wise move for the organization.
QUARTERBACK » The Chargers are set with Justin Herbert for many years, but they need a veteran backup for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Tyrod Taylor left the Chargers and joined the Houston Texans last week. Easton Stick is the other quarterback on the Chargers’ roster, but the 2019 fifth-round pick has only one career pass attempt. Free agents Alex Smith and Chase Daniel are still available as of Sunday afternoon.
EDGE » With the Chargers transitioning into a 3-4 defense with new head coach Brandon Staley, they’ll need more defensive ends and outside linebackers. Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu are at the top of the pass rusher depth chart, but there’s not much experience behind them. Melvin Ingram is likely on the way out as he’s scheduled for a visit with the Kansas City Chiefs this week. If the Chargers want to chase one more top free agent, Jadeveon Clowney and Carlos Dunlap are still available.
CORNERBACK » Davis will be paired with slot cornerback Chris Harris Jr., but the team is missing a third starting cornerback to play opposite Davis on the outside. Casey Hayward held that position for five years before being released by the Chargers. The team can address this position in the draft with a strong group of cornerback prospects. Richard Sherman and Malcolm Butler, however, could be intriguing veteran options.
Safety >> The Chargers never entered the chase for former Rams safety John Johnson and that could be a good sign for free safety Nasir Adderley, the 2019 secondround pick. Even if Adderley starts, the team will need a third safety in the rotation because Derwin James will likely play multiple positions in Staley’s defense. SPECIAL TEAMS » This unit needs lots of work after a disastrous 2020 season. The Chargers retained kicker Michael Badgley and punter Ty Long, but haven’t added any outside veteran help. Expect the Chargers to sign a few special teams aces in the coming weeks.
Good to go
RUNNING BACK » The Chargers’ rushing game lacked efficiency last season because of injuries to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson and the offensive line’s struggles with run blocking. With the offensive line receiving an upgrade, the team could be set at this position with a healthy Ekeler and Jackson. Joshua Kelley struggled during his rookie season, but he could provide a boost with a sophomore surge.
WIDE RECEIVER » There was a bit of uncertainty with Mike Williams because his $15.6 million salary for the 2021 season was set to become guaranteed once the league’s new year arrived last week. To no surprise, Williams was never released and is scheduled for a hefty pay bump. Williams doesn’t have the Pro Bowl-type numbers, but the Chargers value him for his size and big-play ability, especially in crunch time. The team will likely work out a long-term contract with Williams this offseason to provide cap relief and address other needs. The Chargers are set with Keenan Allen, Williams and the rest of the group that includes Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson, K.J. Hill and Joe Reed.
TIGHT END » The Chargers quickly found Cook after losing Henry to the Patriots. He’s not as good as Henry, but the veteran tight end is reliable in the passing game and came at a much cheaper price. Cook will be paired with 6-foot-8 Donald Parham Jr., a solid red-zone target for Herbert. But the team is missing a blocking tight end and could find that in the draft.
INSIDE LINEBACKER » Denzel Perryman was the odd man out for this deep group and signed with the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers are set here with Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White.
Interior defensive line >> The Chargers experimented with Jerry Tillery last year by having him play defensive end, but he’ll likely return to defensive tackle in 2021. Staley could be the right coach to reach Tillery’s untapped potential. Reliable defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Justin Jones remain on the roster.