Tag: Alohi Gilman

Jim Harbaugh expresses excitement for Alohi Gilman re-signing with Chargers

Jim Harbaugh had nothing but great things to say about Alohi Gilman’s return.

Jim Harbaugh had nothing but great things to say about Alohi Gilman’s return. Harbaugh’s excitement echoed the sentiments of Chargers fans, who were eager to have Gilman back on the first day of free agency. 

“Super excited about our safeties. Alohi, Derwin … it doesn’t get any better than that,” Harbaugh said.

Gilman earned his starting spot with spectacular and solid performances last year. He has become a key member of the Bolts’ defense. 

Gilman is the ball hawk the Chargers defense needs as he finished his 2023 campaign with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to go along with two interceptions and 10 passes defended. 

Across four seasons, Gilman has 180 tackles, 14 passes defended and four interceptions.

Gilman and James are set to be the duo on the back end next season, but Harbaugh’s affinity for the safety began before his time in the NFL. 

“Long been a fan of Alohi from his Notre Dame days and Navy days,” Harbaugh said. “Just getting the chance to be around him and the interactions I’ve had, he’s just who I thought he was.”

Gilman is one of the most exciting players to watch in the powder blues and the Chargers front office made sure to secure him early in free agency.

Chargers re-signing Alohi Gilman

Alohi Gilman was deserving of another contract with the Chargers.

The Chargers are bringing back one of their own players, as Alohi Gilman agreed to terms with Los Angeles, according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman.

According to NFL Media’s Mike Garofolo, Gilman’s new contract is for $11 million over two years.

Gilman became a full-time starter for the first time in his career and took advantage of the opportunity, amassing career-high numbers in tackles (73), interceptions (2), and forced fumbles (3).

Across four seasons, Gilman has 180 tackles, 14 passes defended and four interceptions.

With Gilman sticking around, he will play a key role alongside Derwin James. JT Woods is also still on the roster. Look for the Chargers to fill out the position room with another veteran free agency or late in the draft.

1 pending free agent the Colts could target from each AFC team

Taking a look at one pending free agent for the Colts from each AFC team.

With free agency right around the corner, the Indianapolis Colts have the chance to make some key additions to a roster that already has some promise.

Working with some of the most salary-cap space in the NFL this offseason, general manager Chris Ballard and the front office can continue to add pieces to the defensive side of the ball while improving the supporting cast for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Re-signing some of their own players like Michael Pittman Jr., Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore II will be key. But they also could look around the conference to bring in some outside talent.

We know Ballard isn’t one to make huge splashes in free agency, but they are still going to be an active team even if it means simply adding depth.

After taking a look at potential NFC targets, here’s a look at one pending free agent from each AFC team that should interest the Colts:

PFF: Current projected contracts for Chargers’ 2024 internal free agents

Brad Spielberger has current contract valuations available for Austin Ekeler, Alohi Gilman and Gerald Everett.

The Chargers will enter March with 27 internal free agents.

Of that group, three of Los Angeles’ players received contract projections from PFF’s Top 200 free agent ranking.

Brad Spielberger has current contract valuations available for Austin Ekeler, Alohi Gilman, and Gerald Everett.

3 Chargers among Pro Football Focus’ top 150 free agents

PFF dropped their top 150 free agents heading into the 2024 offseason and there are three Chargers on the list.

With a new general manager and head coach soon to be brought in, they will quickly have to figure out which pending free agents will be re-signed.

Set to have 20 pending free agents, the Chargers have three players that made Pro Football Focus’ top 150 free agent rankings.

No. 56: RB Austin Ekeler

Even though he surpassed 1,000 total yards on the year, Ekeler had a disappointing 2023 season. He wasn’t efficient on the ground, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry.

Even though Ekeler will be 29 years old next season, his versatility should still appeal to a handful of NFL teams.

Ekeler pushed for a contract extension and then a trade before the season once it became clear the Chargers didn’t plan to add years to his contract.

The former undrafted free agent has lost some of his top-end speed and acceleration, but he is still shifty over the middle with good start-and-stop ability laterally and a natural pass-catching prowess that rivals any back in the NFL.

No. 83: TE Gerald Everett

The Chargers found a consistent safety net for Justin Herbert to target last year when they acquired Everett in free agency ahead of the 2022 season. He finished with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555).

While he didn’t top those numbers this past season, Everett was still a reliable target, and his ability to pick up yards after the catch came in handy. A team looking for a pass-catching tight end could use his services.

Everett earned Justin Herbert’s trust on critical downs and in the red zone over the past two seasons and has forced 28 missed tackles since 2022, the second most among tight ends. Everett does well to plant his foot in the ground on his first step after the catch and then bounce off contact, and he consistently shakes out of arm tackles by continuing to drive his feet.

Everett is more of a check-down and tunnel screen outlet, averaging more than five yards after the catch in five consecutive seasons with an average depth of target around just six yards, but he can make the occasional contested catch — which was particularly on display in 2022 when he made eight contested snags.

No. 137: S Alohi Gilman

Gilman became a starter for the first time in his career and took every bit of his opportunities, amassing career-high numbers in tackles (73), interceptions (2) and forced fumbles (3). He was always around the football to make a play and at only 26, Gilman has plenty of good seasons in him.

Chargers’ 2023 year-end awards: Picking MVP, Breakout Player of the Year and more

Handing out awards to the Chargers players who stood out in the 2023 regular season.

The Chargers finished 5-12 in what was a dud of a season, which resulted in Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley being relieved of their duties.

While many fans are ready to put this season to bed and focus on the offseason, it’s only right to reflect and hand out the season awards to certain players for their efforts on the field.

Chargers Highlight: Alohi Gilman picks off Chiefs QB Blaine Gabbert

Alohi Gilman is working to prove he deserves a new contract this offseason.

Alohi Gilman is working to prove he deserves a new contract from the Chargers this offseason.

The pending free agent has started at safety when healthy, consistently making plays around the ball. Gilman entered Week 18 with three forced fumbles and an interception.

On Sunday, he added a second interception. Chiefs quarterback Blaine Gabbert dropped back on 3rd and 10, looking deep downfield for Mecole Hardman. Hardman did not see the ball coming his way, leaving Gilman free to track the ball down and make the easy play for the pick.

Highlight: Chargers safety Alohi Gilman picks off Bills QB Josh Allen

Alohi Gilman always seems to be around the ball.

Buffalo had a huge play in the first half when Josh Allen rolled to his right and launched a dart to Gabe Davis for a 57-yard touchdown that put Buffalo on the scoreboard.

In the third quarter, the Bills ran a similar play. Allen rolled out right, loaded up, and launched another deep ball. As the camera panned, it was clear Stefon Diggs had a step on his defender.

But Alohi Gilman always seems to be around the ball.

Gilman made up ground on an underthrown ball by Allen, reeling it in and giving the Chargers the ball back on their own 42-yard line.

Chargers’ three-headed monster dominates in win over Jets

The Chargers have one of the best edge defender trios in the NFL.

The Chargers’ defense reigned supreme in the victory over the Jets on Monday.

In total, they amassed eight sacks, four tackles for loss, three takeaways, seven passes defended and did not allow a single touchdown.

While they were strong at each level, the edge defender unit, comprised of Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, meant business.

They combined for 6.5 sacks, which is tied for the most players with 2.0 or more sacks in a game in Chargers franchise history.

Bosa, who dealt with multiple injuries early in the season, had a phenomenal performance with 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and tackle for loss. 

Mack and Tuipulotu posted two sacks each. Tuipulotu got his first sack since Week 3, yet the rookie has helped create several sacks rushing on the inside this season. 

Tuipulotu, who is having one of the best rookie seasons, is now up to 29 quarterback pressures, four sacks and a 12.2% pass-rush win rate.

“Those guys are beasts out there, Alohi Gilman said. “Makes me smile, makes my job easier back there when you got guys like that up front. Super grateful to be a part of this team, a part of them, being a part of this. A bunch of Hall of Famers up front.”

This was the Bolts’ fourth game with five-plus sacks this season, which puts the team in a tie for second-most sacks in the league with a total of 31. 

Every player on the Bolts’ defense did their job in primetime, but the three-headed monster gave the Jets the most problems. If they can maintain this level of play, it should aid with high-powered offenses, like the Lions and Ravens on the horizon. 

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 9

Looking at the major metrics, here is where the Chargers stand after Week 9.

The Chargers are now .500 after beating the Jets on Monday.

Now that Week 9 is in the rearview, we now know how the Bolts rank statistically compared to the rest of the NFL. Looking at the major metrics, here is where L.A. stands.