The NFL’s tampering period begins on Monday, allowing the Chargers and the rest of the league to start negotiating with free agents. While these negotiations can take place, teams can’t officially sign a player until March 18.
Los Angeles has quite a few needs to address this offseason. General manager Tom Telesco will be looking to add offensive linemen, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle and linebacker help.
With that, here are four key free agents that the Bolts should be tampering with over the next couple of days.
OT Bryan Bulaga
Sam Tevi has yet to produce a season that has suggested he’s worth being a reliable starter and the options behind him are liabilities. Meanwhile, Bulaga is a proven right tackle that would give the line a much-needed boost on that side.
In each of his full seasons since 2014, Bulaga has ranked among the 10 best right tackles in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grade, with three ranking in the top three. Chargers’ new offensive line coach James Campen came over from Green Bay where he coached Bulaga from 2010 to 2017.
Bulaga won’t be cheap, likely to be around $11-12 million. But the move could pay dividends, as the former Iowa product would immediately provide the franchise with a quality starter on the right side, which hasn’t been the case in years.