The Chargers enter this offseason with the most salary cap space that they’ve had since general manager Tom Telesco took over in 2013. Los Angeles also possesses all seven picks in the 2020 NFL draft.
With that, they must use both outlets accordingly to fulfill the roster needs to ensure that they’re in the most optimal position as they look to bounce back from a 5-11 season.
Here are the five most pressing needs for the Bolts heading into this offseason:
5. Nose tackle
Brandon Mebane was signed to a two-year deal last offseason, but he will be turning 35 years old. Damion Square and Sylvester Williams proved themselves in that role, but both players will be free agents. Even if one of them is re-signed the Chargers could benefit from adding another clog in the middle of the defensive line since the run defense has still yet to be efficient.
4. Wide receiver
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both coming off productive seasons, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, there is no one behind the two that can be called upon. Travis Benjamin didn’t do much before getting hurt, Dontrelle Inman was starting to surge before landing on the injured reserve, and the other guys at the position didn’t produce. The Chargers should look to add a fast wideout who can stretch the field.
3. Cornerback
The Chargers have been fortunate to have a player like Casey Hayward, who has shut down the league’s best wideouts. Hayward is signed through the 2021 season But the other options opposite of him are questionable moving forward. Michael Davis was up and down this past season and Brandon Facyson was promising, but he didn’t have that much of a sample size in the starting role.
2. Offensive line
Injuries was the narrative for the offensive line this past season. It all started with Russell Okung, as he missed all of training camp and nearly half the regular season after suffering a pulmonary embolism. When he returned, he dealt with various lower body injuries. Center Mike Pouncey sustained a severe neck injury that ended his season. Guard Forrest Lamp had a season-ending knee injury. Right tackle Sam Tevi was banged up throughout the year. Guard Dan Feeney has been up and down. Michael Schofield is a pending free agent. Trent Scott struggled, and Trey Pipkins showed promise, but there are still plenty of things he needs to work on in order to be relied on as a starter. The Chargers need to make some upgrades to the tackle and guard position to improve the pass protection that was underwhelming this past season.
1. Quarterback
At the moment, no one knows who the starting quarterback is going to be for the Chargers in 2020. Philip Rivers is a pending free agent and if he returns for Year 17 remains to be seen. Even if Rivers does return, the team doesn’t have a succession plan. They have Tyrod Taylor, but he isn’t a long-term option and he only has one more year remaining on his contract. Assuming Rivers is signed to a one-year deal, Los Angeles should look to take a quarterback in the first-round. The rookie would be able to sit and learn from Rivers. But if the team feels like he is no longer in their plans, that would mean that Taylor would serve as the bridge. Nonetheless, it’s been 16 years since the Chargers have taken a quarterback in Round 1, and this would be the perfect year to take one early on no matter who’s going to start.