Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has had a knack for finding some gems via free agency – offensive tackle Russell Okung, center Mike Pouncey and cornerback Casey Hayward.
Los Angeles enters this offseason with the most salary cap space they’ve had since Telesco took over in 2013 ($56,245 million). That means the team could be in a prime position to acquire one or two big-name free agents.
In need of shoring up the offensive line, there will be a few options that should bring some intrigue, depending on whether or not they decide to re-sign with their original team.
For Pro Football Focus, offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga is the soon-to-be free agent that the Bolts need to pursue this offseason.
The Chargers’ offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL in pass-protection last year, ranking 31st in PFF pass-blocking grade. They need fresh veteran faces, and right tackle Bryan Bulaga is the perfect fit. Bulaga has routinely been one of the best right tackles in pass-protection in his career. In each of his full seasons since 2014, Bulaga has ranked among the 10 best right tackles in PFF pass-blocking grade, with three ranking in the top three.
No matter who is behind center next season, making sure that quarterback is kept clean is an absolute must. Bulaga is a proven right tackle that would be able to aid in the pass protection department.
Watch Elgton Jenkins. Recovers after getting beat and then effortlessly makes the switch on the stunt
Watch Bryan Bulaga. Runs 98 completely out of the play, opens up the extended play opportunity
Rodgers/Lazard do the rest pic.twitter.com/s2YSfGgU0n
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) November 12, 2019
Bulaga, who started all regular season games in 2019, ranked No. 21 in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency (97.2), which measures sacks, hits and hurries per pass-rushing snap.
Bulaga has started 111 of the 115 games he has played. An injured hip forced him to miss seven games in 2012. He then missed the 2013 season after tearing his right ACL in training camp and 11 games in 2017 after tearing his left ACL.
Since the knee injury three seasons ago, Bulaga has managed to stay on the field. When he is playing, he is a dominant force – shutting down the league’s best pass rushers.
Bulaga, 30, is coming off a five-year, $33 million contract, but his new deal is expected to cost more annually. He could command a little north of $10 million per year, which calculates the market value of his next contract to be three years and about $30.4 million, per Spotrac.
It may seem like a decent amount of money, but given how much of a need it is to fulfill the position, giving one of the league’s best right tackles that type of paycheck could pay huge dividends.