Quarterback Tom Brady, cornerback Byron Jones, among others have made the headlines after agreeing to deals with their new perspective teams. But there are other agreements that haven’t gotten as much attention nationally that are just as important.
Among one of them that has flown under the radar is the Chargers agreeing to terms with offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. And that is why ESPN’s Anthony Threash believes it’s one of the most free agent acquisitions thus far.
Here is what he said to say:
The Chargers’ offensive line desperately needed change. It ranked No. 31 in the PFF pass-block grade a season ago, and the Chargers’ offensive tackles gave up the highest pressure rate of any tackle tandem in the NFL.
Bulaga will come in to steady the ship after cementing his standing as one of the NFL’s best pass-protectors over the course of his career. He has produced a top-10 pass-block grade among right tackles in every single season since 2014, with three of those being in the top three. And he’s also coming off the second-best season of his career as a run-blocker, posting a 79.4 run-block grade in 2019 that ranked ninth among all tackles.
The Bolts experienced trouble at the right tackle spot the past few seasons. Bulaga will now help protect quarterback Tyrod Taylor, along with a potential rookie signal-caller. The former Iowa product will also pave the way for running backs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.
Going into his 11th season, Bulaga will only turn 31 next week. He has battled injuries during his career but he started all but three games over the past two seasons.
Bulaga graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 15 overall tackle last season. He also finished 12th among all NFL tackles in ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate last season (91.7%).
While there is still a question mark at the left tackle position after the departure of Russell Okung, the team’s offensive line group is undoubtedly improved going forward after the additions of Bulaga and guard Trai Turner.