Los Angeles Chargers’ Cap Situation and Free Agent Targets

Los Angeles Chargers’ Cap Situation and Free Agent Targets

Cap Space:

$26.6 million With ample cap space, the Los Angeles Chargers are well-positioned to address their needs in free agency. Here are some potential free agents who could fill key holes on their roster:

1. Isaiah McKenzie (WR/KR)

McKenzie is a versatile playmaker who can line up as a wide receiver or return specialist. He would provide the Chargers with a dynamic threat on offense and special teams.

2. Bradley Chubb (OLB)

Chubb is a dynamic edge rusher coming off a productive season with the Denver Broncos. With Joey Bosa on the other side, the Chargers would create a formidable pass-rushing duo.

3. Byron Murphy (CB)

Murphy is a young and talented cornerback who can play both inside and outside. He would bolster the Chargers’ secondary and provide some much-needed depth.

4. Shaq Lawson (DL)

Lawson is a versatile defensive lineman who can play multiple positions. He would add depth and versatility to the Chargers’ front seven.

5. Will Hernandez (G)

Hernandez is a strong and athletic guard who can open up holes in the running game. He would improve the Chargers’ offensive line and provide stability up front.

Other Potential Targets:

*

Mack Wilson (S)

– A versatile safety who can play multiple roles. *

Mike Gesicki (TE)

– A athletic and dynamic tight end who can stretch the field. *

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)

– A veteran receiver who can add leadership and playmaking ability. *

Matt Milano (LB)

– A hard-hitting linebacker who can make plays in the passing and running game. *

Decaprio Underwood (G)

– A young and ascending guard who can challenge for a starting role. These are just a few of the potential free agents who could help the Los Angeles Chargers improve their roster and make a run at the playoffs in 2023. With ample cap space, the Chargers have the flexibility to add multiple impact players and take their team to the next level.## Free Agent Options for the Los Angeles Chargers## Free Agent Options for the Los Angeles Chargers The new Chargers regime made a strong statement by drafting an offensive tackle with the 5th pick in the NFL Draft. They also fortified the center in the aftermath of

Corey Linsley

‘s pension, by adding

Bradley Bozeman

. There is then one more spot that still needs an upgrade, the right guard. The starting RG of 2023,

Jamaree Salyer

allowed the second-most pressures (41) and sacks (8) on the team last year.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

has never given up 41 pressures in a season. In his last full season, Vaitai allowed just 23 pressures. That touches on why Vaitai is still a free agent. The 6-foot-1, 312-pounder missed all of 2022 and all but three games of 2023 due to a back injury that required surgery. At the very least, the Chargers could create some competition on the ground while assessing Vaitai’s skill level post-surgery. At best, they could find a capable guard who would raise the level of the offensive line at that spot

Jim Harbaugh

likes it, elite. The Chargers could use a guy with experience playing along the defensive line.

Calais Campbell

has that in spades. He has 16 years of experience to his name. And despite turning 38 at the start of the season, Campbell played at a very high level last season. He saw five years of high-water values at pressure (42), drops (7), and STOPS (36). The chargers have already been added

Pune Ford

for this exact reason, but Harbaugh loves building defensive lines as much as he likes building offensive lines. The 6-8, 282-pounder isn’t a long-term option, but could be a bridge to the future and invaluable in coaching the young defensive linemen on the team.

Stephen Gilmore

is the cornerback version of Campbell. Experienced? Certainly. Over the hill? Maybe. Still incredibly productive? YEP. The Cowboys didn’t try to hide Gilmore either. Last season, he played the 17th-most coverage snaps in the league, and he was targeted 91 times, the 7th most. Yet he only allowed a 55% completion percentage. That ranked 6th among high-volume cornerbacks. The Chargers have a well-constructed starting three at cornerback, but the depth behind them is very questionable.

Chargers Have Cap Space, Target Free Agents

The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to have $26.6 million in cap space, making them one of the few teams with significant financial resources heading into free agency. General manager Tom Telesco is expected to be aggressive in pursuing upgrades to the roster, with several potential targets available.

Defensive Tackle

*

Larry Ogunjobi

: The former Browns and Bengals lineman is a disruptive force against the run and pass. He could provide a boost to a Chargers defense that struggled to generate pressure last season. *

Jarran Reed

: Another strong interior pass rusher, Reed had a career year in 2022 with the Packers. His addition would bolster the Chargers’ ability to collapse the pocket.

Safety

*

Jessie Bates

: A Pro Bowl safety in 2020 and 2021, Bates is a versatile playmaker who can cover receivers, support against the run, and generate turnovers. He would be a major upgrade over the Chargers’ current safety tandem. *

Jordan Poyer

: A veteran safety with a proven track record, Poyer is a reliable tackler and ball-hawking presence. He could help stabilize a Chargers defense that allowed the third-most passing yards in the league last year.

Edge Rusher

*

Yannick Ngakoue

: A dynamic pass rusher with a knack for strip-sacks, Ngakoue has recorded double-digit sacks in four of the last five seasons. He could provide the Chargers with a much-needed threat opposite Joey Bosa. *

Haason Reddick

: A versatile edge rusher who can play inside or outside, Reddick has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the league. He would add depth and athleticism to the Chargers’ defense.

Other Potential Targets

*

Isaiah McKenzie

: A versatile receiver and return specialist, McKenzie could fill multiple roles for the Chargers. He had 88 receptions and a punt return touchdown last season. *

Allen Lazard

: A big-bodied receiver with a knack for contested catches, Lazard would give the Chargers a reliable target down the field. He has been a consistent performer for the Packers. With their ample cap space, the Chargers have the flexibility to add multiple significant pieces to their roster. The targets listed above would address key areas of need and help the team compete for a playoff berth in 2023.