The Chargers have agreed to deals with four new players since the start of the free agent negotiating period on Monday, and brought back one of their own.
Here’s a player-by-player report card for their free agent signings up to this point:
OG Trai Turner
The Chargers gave up Russell Okung, which appeared to be a huge loss when it was first reported without the compensation being announced. But landing a five-time Pro Bowl guard without draft picks being included is an absolute steal for a team that needs help along the interior.
At 27 years of age, Turner is one of the best guards in the NFL, and his success speaks for itself. He’s blocked for quarterback Cam Newton en route to the Super Bowl in 2015, and he helped pave the way for running back Christian McCaffrey on his way to 1,387 rushing yards in 2019.
Grade: B+
OT Bryan Bulaga
The Chargers first free agent signing addressed arguably one of the biggest positional needs in the right tackle spot, and they landed him on a heck of a deal when factoring in how hectic the market has become for players at the position.
In nine seasons, Bulaga played in four NFC championship games. 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.
Assuming the Chargers are shifting to a zone scheme, Bulaga has shown the ability to excel in that scheme when Packers coach Matt LaFleur implemented it this past season where he was a road grader, finishing with a 79.4 grade in that department.
With additions of Bulaga and Turner, the right side of the line is looking very strong.
Grade: A
DT Linval Joseph
The departure of Brandon Mebane and lack of activity with free agents Damion Square and Sylvester Williams meant that the nose tackle position needed to be upgraded.
What better way to shore it up than signing one of the best in the league in that department, and to be able to get him on a great deal? In 2015 and 2017, he earned exceptional overall grades of 91.0 and 90.0, respectively, per PFF. Joseph has never graded less than 70 overall.
All in all, the run defense gets a lot better with the addition of the clog-like Joseph. Also, the 31-year old also provides the team with an impressive character in and away from the football field.
Grade: A-
CB Chris Harris Jr.
The Chargers caught people by surprise with the signing of Harris, primarily because he thrives more so in the slot and that’s where Desmond King has played the past few seasons. However, it’s expected that King will move to safety, while Harris stays inside.
Harris has been regarded as arguably one of the best at his position within the best decade, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a First Team All-Pro nomination in 2016. The former Kansas product has ranked No. 1 in completion percentage allowed among all slot corners in the league.
Last season, Los Angeles was among the worst in defending targets from the slot. Harris’ presence will be a big help in that area, along with the pass defense as a whole.
Grade: A