Tag: Chargers offseason

1 pending free agent Chargers should target: AFC South Edition

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists one pending free agent from each team in the AFC South that the Los Angeles Chargers could target.

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to enter free agency with the most salary cap available since Tom Telesco took over as general manager in 2013.

Even though the franchise has some in-house players that will need to get paid, there’s a great chance that Telesco and company will be aggressive in signing other soon-to-be free agents to bolster an already talented roster, with the hopes of making a quick turnaround after finishing 5-11 in 2019.

With that being said, we are going to list one pending free agent from each team in the NFL that could be a realistic target for L.A. Next up is the AFC South.

Indianapolis Colts – OT Anthony Castonzo

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Improving the trenches this offseason is an absolute must. Both tackle positions could be upgraded, not just the right tackle spot, because Russell Okung might be a cap casualty when considering his medical and injury history. If the Chargers were to let go of Okung, finding a proven left tackle sits atop of the to-do list.

Castonzo, 31, has manned the left tackle position for the Colts for years now, where he’s been the model of consistency and durability. Castonzo ranked seventh out of 101 qualifying tackles in 2019, per Pro Football Focus. After proving to be one of the more dominant tackles in the league, Castonzo could require a hefty paycheck, but it would be money well spent.

Colts Wire predicted his next contract could be for two years worth $35 million with $26.25 million guaranteed.

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Tom Telesco explains what went into decision to part ways with QB Philip Rivers

General manager Tom Telesco explains when the franchise decided to part ways with quarterback Philip Rivers.

There will be a new player under center for the Los Angeles Chargers as the franchise and quarterback Philip Rivers decided to go their own ways on Monday.

General manager Tom Telesco, who was an executive with the Indianapolis Colts when they parted ways with Peyton Manning, explained the decision to move on from the 38-year old.

“Once we saw the way this was heading, it was in the forefront of my mind. I mean, he’s an icon for the organization and he’s done so much here. I wanted to make sure everything was done as respectfully and classy as possible. This can be a very difficult business for all of us to be in—head coaches, GMs, players. That was the thought in my mind,” Telesco said, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Telesco said the decision to move on from Rivers did not take place until last week. The Chargers’ front office had their annual meeting to outline the offseason, with the team’s quarterback situation being at the top of the list.

On Friday, after coming to a decision, Telesco called Rivers’ agent, Jimmy Sexton, to inform him of the team’s decision. Telesco then called Rivers on Saturday, officially ending the 16-year marriage.

Telesco didn’t explain why Rivers wasn’t re-signed, but the assumption could be made that his age (38) and his decline in production in a contract year were a couple reasons for the split as he threw 20 interceptions, as well as 23 turnovers – which cost the team a handful of their 11 losses.

Along with that, coach Anthony Lynn has made it clear that a mobile quarterback is required in the system that he wants to run, leaving Rivers out of the equation.

The Chargers could go a few ways to fill Rivers’ shoes. One of the options could be on the team with Tyrod Taylor, who Telesco praised in an interview on Tuesday, saying the team has a lot of faith in him. But it’s speculated that L.A. will look to add another signal-caller. The outlet to acquire one remains to be seen.

When deciding who they’re going to bring in, Telesco said that they will hopefully have many of the same traits Rivers possessed during his time with the Bolts.

“It’s going to be a little bit different,” Telesco said. I spent a lot of my career with Peyton Manning as my quarterback, and one year with Andrew Luck as the quarterback, and then seven years with Philip. But we move into a new era of Charger football. And really that’s figuratively and literally, because we’re moving into a brand-new stadium. As a football team, it’s the nature of professional football. You wish players could play forever, and I know the fans hope their stars can play forever. It just doesn’t work like that.

“But there’s an excitement getting into a new era of Charger football. And you have to build this a different way without Philip here anymore. It’s not gonna be easy, I know that, because from Philip you knew year after year after year, you got consistent play, high level play and a quarterback you could count on, every single day. Not just games, but practice. He was accountable day in, day out. It’s gonna be new here.”

Where does Chargers QB Easton Stick stand?

All the talk has been on Tyrod Taylor. But where does Easton Stick stand with the Los Angeles Chargers?

On Tuesday, general manager Tom Telesco said that he likes the Chargers’ internal options when discussing the quarterback situation.

With Philip Rivers no longer with the team, Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick are the only two quarterbacks on the roster.

Taylor, the 30-year old who signed with L.A. on a two-year deal last offseason, is the favorite to be the starter in 2020 at the moment. But where does that leave Stick?

The Chargers selected Stick in the fifth-round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The former North Dakota State product beat out Cardale Jones for the final quarterback spot last preseason.

During the regular season, Stick was never active on game days, but he still benefited learning from the two veterans during practices. Now with Rivers gone, he moves up on the depth chart, leaving many wondering if he will have the opportunity to start.

In the interview with Telesco, he said that the team has high hopes for Stick, but he is still a young quarterback with a ways to go. Despite having a draft pick spent on him, it doesn’t mean that he’s line to start within the next couple of year, or at all in his professional career.

Instead, the Chargers could have taken a flyer on him with the hopes of becoming a long-term backup, especially considering Taylor won’t be with the team much longer (if they choose to draft a rookie in the early rounds).

Or, Los Angeles’ intentions could be to develop Stick enough to the point where he does have upside as a starter, which could garner trade consideration from another team.

The bottom line is that while he has the resume as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in the FCS and his athleticism and intangibles are second-to-none, his average arm strength and passing instincts limits him from being a starting quarterback in the NFL at the moment.

Poll: How should Chargers address quarterback position?

Should the Los Angeles Chargers sign a free agent quarterback, make a deal for one, or draft a rookie?

For the first time in 14 years, the Chargers will have a different guy starting at quarterback moving forward after the franchise announced that Philip Rivers will no longer be with the team.

Even though it’s hard to visualize another person other than No. 17 under center, the show must go on.

Los Angeles currently has Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick on the roster, with Taylor likely penciled in as the starter at the moment. But it’s hard to believe that they will roll into the new season with just those two.

L.A. will have three different options to address the position this offseason.

  1. Free agency
  2. Trade
  3. NFL Draft

If the team wishes to find a signal-caller via free agency, there are eight soon-to-be free agents that could draw their attention, with Tom Brady and Dak Prescott leading the pack.

Acquiring a quarterback through a trade hasn’t been talked about as much, but should the Chargers explore this outlet, a player like Cam Newton could be enticing to the team.

Los Angeles Chargers could surpass both of these, and draft a quarterback with their first-round pick for the first time since 2004. Some of the top options include Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert or Utah State’s Jordan Love.

I believe that the route the Bolts should address the position by drafting one early on. They will likely have one or two of the tree top options available when they’re on the clock, all of whom have potential to be franchise quarterbacks.

Also, rookie quarterback contracts are a cap space-saving building block – which would benefit the Chargers.

With that being said, what do you believe the Bolts should do this offseason to replace Rivers?

Vote in the poll below.

[polldaddy poll=10504972]

Bleacher Report suggests player Chargers should trade for

The Los Angeles Chargers should look to trade for a reliable offensive lineman.

The offseason madness is going to get started next month via free agency, followed up with the NFL Draft in April. Those are the main outlets where the Los Angeles Chargers will look to beef up their roster for the 2020 season. But the team could look to acquire a player or two through a trade.

Should the Bolts look to explore a deal with another team, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski believes that Packers guard Lane Taylor would be an ideal option for L.A.

Tackle remains a significant problem area, but the Chargers have a chance to build a solid interior with the Scott Quessenberry at center, Taylor’s possible acquisition solidifying one guard spot and Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp in a competition for the other.

Potential trade: The Chargers acquire Taylor from the Packers for a fifth-round draft pick.

Taylor, 30, has proven to be solid for Green Bay since joining the team in 2013, but he is now the odd man out after he lost his starting job this past season to rookie Elgton Jenkins after his campaign came to an end due to a torn biceps injury in November.

Dealing Taylor to another team would benefit the Packers because they would be able to clear up some salary cap space ($4.5 million), and a club like the Chargers, who have some question marks along the offensive line, could benefit from his services.

Not only would he add some much-needed juice up front in the trenches, but there would be some familiarity as Taylor would be reunited with his former offensive line coach James Campen. From 2016-18, Taylor started 46 games while Campen was serving as his position coach.

The future remains to be seen with Michael Schofield, who is set to be free agent. If the Chargers don’t re-sign him, they will need to immediately fill the void at right guard. The left guard position is still a mystery, as Dan Feeney’s play has been up and down, while Forrest Lamp can’t stay healthy.

Taylor would be a plug-and-play at either spot, and the great thing about it is that it shouldn’t cost Los Angeles that much. Sobleski listed the team giving up a fifth-round draft pick to acquire Taylor.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: Louisiana-Lafayette OL Robert Hunt

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts Louisiana-Lafayette OL Robert Hunt, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt.

Honors and Awards

  • All-Sun Belt First-Team (2019)
  • Outland Trophy watch list (2019)
  • All-Sun Belt Second-Team (2018)

Strengths

  • Rare combination of athleticism, strength and mobility. Very wide base and burly build.
  • Displays incredible power on initial contact. Knocks defenders off balance with initial hand punch and devastates defenders to the ground.
  • Lateral quickness to slide with outside speed rushers and ride them out of play.
  • Sinks hips and can anchor, rarely giving up ground. Uses arm length and extension to keep defensive lineman off his frame, maintains spacing.
  • Sets up his blocks in space by using angles and quickness. Rangy run blocker, can cut off inside penetration, or locate blocks early at second level. Moves well when pulling.
  • Adequate reaction skills to diagnose and pick up blitzes.
  • Aggressive blocker that attacks his assignment. Flashes a mean streak and a desire to finish blocks.
  • Experience at guard and tackle.

Weaknesses

  • Gets in good initial position, but often loses his leverage, playing too upright.
  • Strong hands at the point of attack, but needs to do a better job with placement. Can be too high or wide.
  • Forgets his feet sometimes and chooses to use his reach.
  • Often caught lunging at defenders to engage or land his punch.

Summary

Hunt is a big man with a unique athletic skill-set for the position, showing above-average balance, lateral agility to handle speed, and power at the point of attack. In the run game, he uses a strong grip to move bodies to create lanes and his nasty temperament sees him taking defenders to the ground. His footwork technique is still a work in progress and he needs to be weary of his pad level.

Chargers Fit

Based on his physical traits and athleticism, Hunt profiles as a solid starting right tackle at the next level. He has experience at guard, but his athleticism and pass-protection skills could allow him to be a plug-and-play on the right side, opposite of Russell Okung. If tackle doesn’t pan out, he could easily kick inside. Hunt’s tools suggest a bright future, assuming he receives the necessary coaching and development by the Chargers coaching staff.

Projection: Late 2nd-Early 3rd

Chargers Mailbag: Analyzing fan’s seven-round mock drafts

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez takes a look at five different Los Angeles Chargers mock drafts.

With draft season in full gear, projections continue to flood the internet. I’ve dropped a few mock drafts over the past couple of months, but I wanted to go ahead and give fans the spotlight to show what the Los Angeles Chargers could do when they’re on the clock.

With that, I went ahead and went on my personal Twitter account to ask for the most ideal seven-round predictions. I received a lot more than anticipated, so if I’m unable to get around to yours on this edition, I’ll be sure to stash it away for later.

Mock 1 (Submitted by @Rob_Base78)

Right out the gate the Chargers grab their future face of the franchise. The opinions are mixed on the Eugene native because of his inconsistencies in college, but the talent, traits and potential to become a premiere NFL quarterback is there, especially with the slew supporting cast that he would have around him.

The wide receiver class is loaded with talent, and even though Los Angeles might be better off addressing the position a little bit later, it’s one that could be addressed earlier than expected – especially if they view this as an opportunity to give Herbert a vertical threat, which is exactly what Reagor is, who thrives with his blazing speed.

Getting Hall in the third-round would be an absolute steal. An ankle injury limited his senior season to six games. Had he not gotten hurt, there’s a good chance that he would be the top-ranked corner in this class. Hall, whose game oozes with physicality, quickness and ball skills, would make out to be the perfect compliment to Casey Hayward.

I expect the linebacker position to be addressed, but I’m not sure if it’ll be this early on Day 3. Nonetheless, Davis-Gaither would be a nice addition to a group that’s highlighted by first-year standout Drue Tranquill. A safety-linebacker hybrid, Davis-Gaither could rotate with Kyzir White at WILL, where his speed and range would come in handy, especially in coverage.

The next three picks are essentials, as well. Even though I expect Cleveland to go in the 50-75 pick range after the Combine, selecting him would add some much-needed talent to the group up front. The nose tackle position is needed more so than another three-technique, you can’t go wrong with a dependable rotational piece. Dillon would be a solid short-yardage back, who can help keep the offense to move the sticks.

Mock 2 (Submitted by @BrennanGadd)

To some, taking Love with the No. 6 overall selection is rich because he’s raw. But NFL teams will bank on potential more than anything and will still pull the trigger no matter where they’re selecting. Love, who is a loose passer and has extremely impressive arm talent, could be the long-term solution if they were to fix his inconsistent decision-making.

Jackson in the second-round has become a popular pairing, given the need the glaring need at the position. The former USC product has all the physical traits and movement skills to be a plug-and-play at right tackle, with the capability of moving to the left side by Year 2 or 3 while his mechanics are polished.

Like Hall, the Chargers would be hitting a home run with Dantzler in Round 3. Even though he’s adept at the line of scrimmage, Dantzler is more suited as a zone coverage corner, where he’s at his best reading quarterback’s eyes, showing great spatial awareness and attacking the football when it’s in the air.

Kindley would be a great depth option at guard. Edwards in the fifth-round would be a steal because I expect him to go in Round 3 or 4, but he would he able to stretch the field and open things up in the passing game. I don’t expect the tight end position to be addressed in the draft. They could find a No. 3 via undrafted free agency. If the Chargers want another flex player to serve as a wideout and running back, Gibson would be a nice option.

Mock 3 (Submitted by @KaiBigBettis)

Despite the injury concerns, I expect Tua to go in the top-5, specifically to the Miami Dolphins. But if he’s available when the Chargers are on the clock, he will be heavily considered. Assuming the medicals check out, Tagovailoa has the arm talent, field vision, instincts and intelligence to be a polarizing NFL starter after a redshirt season.

After two down seasons, Arnette helped his case to become one of the most improved prospects with his stout senior campaign. This might be a smidge too early for him, but there’s denying that the Chargers would be intrigued by his size, ball skills and talent in multiple coverage techniques.

Bartch sits atop of my big board after watching his tape and his showing at the Senior Bowl. The former tight end might find his way into Round 2 after the Combine, but should he be there in Round 3, they have to pull the trigger. His movement skills, flexibility and power both on the film and in Mobile, AL showed a capable starting tackle in the NFL.

Johnson in the fourth-round just goes to show how deep this wide receiver class is. Getting him in Day 3 would be another steal, providing the Chargers with a polished route-runner, who is strong after the catch.

Like mentioned above, I don’t think the Chargers will draft a tight end. Jones could be an intriguing rotational nose tackle. Taylor could be a depth option at the tackle position, and while his physical tools are there, he needs plenty of polish to his game.

Mock 4 (Submitted by @BossKaiju)

After watching the College Football Playoffs, everyone should know who Simmons is. The versatile play-maker, who can stop the run, cover and blitz, would be another talented defensive player to form a deadly one-two punch alongside Derwin James. This would be an enticing pick, but the way I see this happening is if they address the quarterback in free agency, their top quarterbacks are off the board or they are considering one in Round 2.

Like Bartch, Jones also sits atop of the must-draft list if he’s available. The 6-foot-5 and 311 pounder is a mirroring magician in pass protection and a bulldozer in the run blocking department. Jones is a smooth mover, who has the length and hand usage to keep defenders out in front of him. He’d be the starting right tackle come Week 1 of the season.

I don’t know that the Chargers snag an interior defensive lineman this early in the draft, but this would be a great selection. Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 337 pounder would be the successor to Brandon Mebane. Truth is, I think he will be better than Mebane in his career. Not many people can move like Fotu at that size, where he is disruptive at stopping the run and getting after the quarterback.

Lemieux in Round 4 would be a steal, as you’re getting a plug-and-play guard. His mauling mentality would be welcomed by a team that will likely resort more to the ground game next season. Pittman has some Tyrell Williams to his game, as he is a fast straight line runner, who wins with his ability to go up above the rim. Strnad would serve as depth at Will linebacker. Lipscomb would be solid to close out the draft, but I don’t think they will double dip at wide receiver.

Mock 5 (Submitted by @wadleigh_matt24)

I mentioned that I don’t believe the Chargers will take a defensive tackle early on, but Brown could possibly be their top-ranked player and he would solidify the interior front with a disruptive presence, who can play the one or three-technique.

Fromm hasn’t been brought up in discussion as a possibility for the Chargers, simply because many believe that it will be addressed in free agency or the first-round. Should they choose to wait, the former Georgia product will likely be available at the top of Round 2. Fromm has below average physical traits, but there’s no denying he has the accuracy and high football IQ to garner starting consideration.

Tega Wanogho in the third-round would be a steal, considering I believe he goes somewhere on Day 2. Even though he’s a little raw and needs to learn the finer details of the position, Wanogho still has the physical tools and a skillset that would allow him to instantly start at right tackle.

The cornerback position needs to be addressed, but I don’t think they are looking for a nickel corner, which is what Robertson is. The reason why Gandy-Golden might not be high on their board is because they already have a jump-ball specialist and red-zone threat with Mike Williams. Instead, they need speed. Walker wouldn’t be a bad depth option at linebacker, given his athleticism, but he doesn’t have much experience in coverage.

Chargers 2020 NFL Draft Target: Boise State OT Ezra Cleveland

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez puts Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland, a potential draft target, under the microscope.

Over the next few months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up into the 2020 NFL Draft. With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, we are taking a look at Boise State offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland.

Honors and Awards

  • All-Mountain West First Team (2018-19)
  • All-Mountain West Honorable Mention (2017)
  • Academic All-Mountain West (Fall 2017)

Strengths

  • Tall, proportionate frame.
  • Athletic feet in pass protection to reset and react to movement. Efficient kick slide, sliding very smoothy and getting to his destination point with ease. Initial quickness to cut off wide speed.
  • Uses his long arms to lock out, slow rushers and maintain space.
  • Strong mirroring skill and agility skills to be able to hold his own against the most athletic edge rushers.
  • Patient hands. Mixes up how he throws pass-rushers off balance. Has the grip and core strength to hold his own at the point of attack.
  • Alert to recognize blitzers and reorganize his assignments.
  • Quick to climb and comfortable in space, taking out second-level defenders with clean angles and sustain skills.

Weaknesses

  • Marginal recovery anchor, playing too much on his heels and in an upright position.
  • Late or wide hands, allowing rushers to attack his chest and walk him backwards.
  • Several bad habits like ducking his head and lunging.
  • Rarely snaps his hips through when blocking in the run game. Hardly ever the low man in this area. Doesn’t always match the power of nasty of defensive linemen.

Summary

Cleveland, the 6-foot-6 and 315 pounder, started all Boise State’s 40 games since redshirting as a freshman. The Washington native has an athletic frame, who is a coordinated mover who’s comfortable in space, flashing the instincts and smarts required for the next level. While he isn’t necessarily overpowering strength player in the run game, he quickly finds his landmarks and uses his natural coordination to stay between the defender and pocket.

Chargers Fit

Cleveland needs to improve his play strength in the run game, but his balanced athleticism and loose movement skills allow him to stymie different types of rushers off the edge. He is capable of filling in an immediate void at right tackle, but also has a skillset to provide depth inside.

Projected Round: Early-Mid Third

2020 NFL offseason: Important dates for Chargers in February

With the Super Bowl completed, here are all the key offseason dates for the Chargers remaining in the month of February.

With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIV, the offseason is in full swing.

The Los Angeles Chargers begin their process to building a roster that can hopefully get them to Super LV.

Even though there isn’t a lot of notables taking place in February, it’s still important to keep up with some of the dates throughout the month that have some value.

Here’s a glance:

Feb. 3: Waiver system begins for 2020.

Feb. 11: Beginning at 12:00 p.m ET, NFL clubs may begin to sign players whose 2020 CFL contracts have expired. Players under contract to a CFL club for the 2020 season or who have an option for the 2020 season are not eligible to be signed.

Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.

Feb. 25: First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition players.

Report: Chargers expected to pursue QB Tom Brady if he becomes free agent

The Los Angeles Chargers are expected to pursue quarterback Tom Brady this offseason.

There’s been murmurs of quarterback Tom Brady being a potential option for the Los Angeles Chargers for months now.

It appears that could be a real possibility.

The Chargers have emerged as a legitimate option for Brady if he leaves the New England Patriots this offseason, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

There’s a big question mark surrounding the Bolts’ quarterback situation. Like Brady, Philip Rivers is set to become a free agent after a season where he threw 20 interceptions, contributing to nine of their 11 losses that were determined by a touchdown or less.

The 38-year old has said that he would like to play next season, but where remains to be seen. L.A. hasn’t officially closed the door on Rivers and they’re still exploring all options at the position.

Los Angeles could appeal to Brady because he would like to join a team that has weapons on the offensive side of the ball. He would have wide receiver Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry – if they’re retained.

Other teams besides the Chargers are likely to show a lot of interest in Brady should he hit the open market, too. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Las Vegas Raiders plan to pursue the 42-year old.

While other franchises are expected to pursue the three-time MVP, the New England Patriots are going to push hard to re-sign him, which could include paying him slightly north of $30 million annually to keep him.