Coming off a disappointing 5-11 2019 season, it was evident that changes needed to be made.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the necessary changes were made in order to enhance their chances of turning things around in 2020.
Los Angeles departed ways with quarterback Philip Rivers, but they drafted his replacement. Along with that, they acquired a slew of veterans in free agency and play-makers on both sides of the ball in the draft.
In Barnwell’s offseason rankings for all 32 teams, L.A. finished No. 10 overall.
Here’s where he believes the Bolts struck gold:
The Chargers were able to add a number of veterans on what were team-friendly deals relative to the market. Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga arrived on a three-year, $30 million deal. Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. left the Broncos for two years and $17 million. Defensive tackle Linval Joseph signed on a similar deal. The Chargers won the trade when they dealt tackle Russell Okung to Carolina for guard Trai Turner. They even franchised tight end Hunter Henry and locked up running back Austin Ekeler on a four-year, $24.5 million deal. Every deal here looks good.
General manager Tom Telesco hit a home run on each of his free agency signings. While the team lost Russell Okung, they were still able to get a five-time Pro Bowl guard (Trai Turner) out of it. Two of their own top skill players (running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry) were inked, as well.
In the draft, they found the quarterback of the future with Justin Herbert, a plug-and-play linebacker with Kenneth Murray and a few offensive weapons that should contribute early on in their professional careers, which consists of running back Joshua Kelley and wide receivers Joe Reed and K.J. Hill.
The only notable thing that Los Angeles failed to do was find Okung’s replacement. Many thought that the team was going to acquire a left tackle, whether it was in free agency or the draft, but they chose not to. Instead, they head into training camp with Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton and possibly Forrest Lamp fighting for the starting job.