Tag: Chargers trade

Chargers HC Brandon Staley discusses trade deadline

Chargers HC Brandon Staley is not ruling out a potential trade.

The NFL trade deadline is upon us, and the Chargers could use some reinforcements, most notably along the defensive line.

However, Tom Telesco has not been notorious for making splash in-season trades since taking over as general manager back in 2013.

Telesco has only made two. The first came when he traded WR Dontrelle Inman to the Bears for a seventh-round pick, and the other came last season when CB Desmond King was shipped to the Titans for a sixth-round pick.

Telesco’s non-aggressive approach to trades, especially during the season, comes down to him valuing his draft picks and building the team within the players he brings in.

While it’s rare, head coach Brandon Staley did not completely rule it out.

“We want to make sure that we’re exploring an avenue if there is one. And if there isn’t, that’s OK, too,” Staley said, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Los Angeles is equipped to pull the trigger on a player with a little over $12 million in cap space and all draft picks, plus more with the projected compensatory picks the team is likely to receive.

An interior defender would go a long way to improving a dead-last ranked run defense that has been problematic all season.

For a team positioned to contend, Telesco may strongly want to consider stepping outside of the norm and make a move for someone like Bears’ Akiem Hicks ahead of the deadline on Nov. 2 at 1:00 pm PT.

Trading for DT Akiem Hicks could pay dividends for Chargers

Highlighting how the Chargers could fix their run defense woes.

The Chargers are stout in nearly all areas, but the run defense stands out as a glaring weakness. The unit is dead last in this category, allowing 157.6 yards per game.

In specific, the interior part of the defensive line has been the culprit. The group doesn’t possess enough talent to consistently hold its own at the point of attack. This has created big holes for ball carriers to run freely through.

Los Angeles has been able to mask it with their high-powered offense and ability to limit the pass, but the team can’t expect to let it slide any further if they want to make a deep run.

A player that would go a long way to fixing the woes is defensive tackle Akiem Hicks.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bears permitted Hicks to find a trade partner after free agency began. The Chargers were among the teams that monitored the situation into the preseason.

Hicks, 31, has a previous connection with head coach Brandon Staley. The two spent time together in Chicago when Staley was the outside linebackers coach from 2017-18.

Hicks, the 11-year veteran, has 232 total tackles, 47 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, and five forced fumbles in his time as a Bear.

At 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds, Hicks is a solid all-around interior defender, who plays with tremendous leverage, strength, burst, and lateral movements to effectively penetrate and stand his own against double teams.

Hicks has dealt with some injuries throughout his lengthy career and is currently aiding a groin issue, but it hasn’t hampered him enough to keep him off the field at a concerning rate.

While Hicks’ salary might seem a bit steep at $10.4 million, the Chargers possess the sufficient amount of funds to acquire him, currently with a bit of north of $12 million in cap space available.

Furthermore, the team has all of its draft picks available. For someone like Hicks, it may require a 2022 third-round and a future pick.

Unloading that type of capital on a player may draw some pause, but Los Angeles would be investing in the positional group, both short and long-term.

Not only would Hicks be able to step in from Day 1 and provide a significant boost up front, but he could be the replacement to Linval Joseph, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

In addition, Justin Jones is set to hit the market, as well. Therefore, the position will likely sit atop the priority list.

Sitting with a 3-2 record, the only likely scenario where the Bears would want to let go of Hicks is if they find themselves in a hole after their next three games against the Packers, Buccaneers, and 49ers.

But if Chicago is willing to part ways with the veteran ahead of the trade deadline on Nov. 2, general manager Tom Telesco would be wise to field a phone call.

If it does not come to fruition, Hicks is a name worth monitoring next offseason since he will be a free agent.

Could Chargers be among Julio Jones trade suitors?

Would the Los Angeles Chargers be wise to trade for the seven-time Pro Bowler?

The Chargers’ wide receiver group is rather crowded heading into training camp. But might they look to add another one, possibly one of the best players at the position in the NFL to take the group to another level?

The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz reported that the Falcons are looking to trade Julio Jones. Atlanta doesn’t have enough cap space to sign their draft picks, and their only options to create space are to trade or restructure the contracts of Jones or defensive tackle Grady Jarrett.

Among the teams that Schultz that might be in on Jones is Los Angeles.

Think of 1) teams with enough cap space to absorb Jones’ $15.3 million base salary; 2) contending teams that believe he would put them over the top; 3) young teams looking to take the next step.

Among the teams that could fall into these categories: Ravens, 49ers, Patriots, Colts and Chargers.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, L.A. has $19.4 million in available cap space. Therefore, the team has the funds to pay some of Jones’ contract in a potential trade.

Jones, the seven-time Pro Bowler, is coming off a year in which he dealt with a hamstring injury. However, the year before that, he posted 1,394 receiving yards on 99 catches.

Would a trade be worth it? When healthy, he is a clear-cut dynamic weapon that would take the Chargers’ offense over the top, as he possesses the speed and explosiveness to give opposing secondaries problems.

What would the team have to give up? Schultz said a first-round draft pick “seems unlikely,” so if Los Angeles had to give up a second and a late-round selection to get Jones, it might be worth it.

An offense that would consist of Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Jared Cook and Jones, as well as the young bucks in Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson and Josh Palmer, would be a huge threat.

QB Justin Herbert pushing for Chargers to draft OT Penei Sewell

Is there a potential reunion in the making?

The Chargers have their quarterback of the future in Justin Herbert, and now they must put him in the best position for long-term success.

After addressing three spots along the offensive line via free agency, the team must find his blindside blocker, which is expected to be done in the early rounds of the draft.

Los Angeles could sit back and wait until they pick at No. 13 or they could be aggressive by trading up to reunite Herbert with his former teammate from Oregon, offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

“I’m doing my best [to campaign for Sewell],” Herbert said. “He’s an incredible player. Whenever you get a tackle like that in the draft, he can change your program. Always a big fan and I’m an even bigger fan of the way he is off the field.”

There have been plenty of murmurs recently of the possibility of L.A. moving up for Sewell. However, the only way that would be made possible is if the Bengals – another team in need of a long-term left tackle – pass up on him altogether.

When factoring in that general manager Tom Telesco has to be under a little pressure since he hasn’t put together a competent offensive line since he’s been around and he has a well-known resume of trading up, I could see him dealing and wheeling to get his guy if he slides past No. 5 overall.

“A dream come true,” is what it would be to Sewell to block for Herbert again.

What would it take for Chargers to acquire Ravens OT Orlando Brown, Jr.?

The two-time Pro Bowler requested a trade on Wednesday, and the Chargers should be interested.

The Chargers are going to be in the market for a starting blindside blocker, and one player that could draw some interest is Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Brown requested a trade after demanding to only play left tackle, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

He played there this past season to fill the void left by injured Ronnie Stanley, where he went on to be named to his second Pro Bowl. But with Stanley returning, it means that Brown will have to move back to right tackle.

However, Stanley is going to make sure that’s not the case because he wants to stay at left tackle to honor his late father and former Raven, Orlando Brown Sr.

Rapoport added that Baltimore values Brown significantly and would need major compensation in order to do a deal.

Should Los Angeles be interested in acquiring him, what might they have to give up?

L.A. holds the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft and that would be the starting point to acquire a franchise left tackle.

The Bolts could also propose wide receiver Mike Williams in the deal, given the fact that the position is near the top of the Ravens’ priority list this offseason, and either their second or third-round pick.

Baltimore will likely have to agree to an extension in order for the deal to happen. The same thing applies for Brown. His rookie contract expires after 2021, which means the Chargers would have to extend him right away.

With that being said, here’s a look at some potential trade ideas:

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 2nd Round Pick (58)

Ravens get:

Mike Williams

Chargers 2021 1st Round Pick (13)

Chargers 2021 4th Round Pick (108)

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 4th Round Pick (131)

Ravens get:

Chargers 2021 1st Round Pick (13)

Chargers 2021 3rd Round Pick (77)

Chargers 2022 2nd Round Pick

Chargers get:

Orlando Brown Jr.

Ravens 2021 4th Round Pick (131)

Ravens get:

Chargers 2nd Round Pick (47)

Chargers 5th Round Pick (142)

Chargers 2022 1st Round Pick

Brown has started all 32 games over the past two seasons for Baltimore and has appeared in 48 games with 42 total career starts. At left tackle this past season, Brown didn’t surrender a single sack in pass protection and allowed 19 total quarterback pressures.

At only 24 years old, Brown has proven himself as someone who’s very capable of protecting the edge with his best football still yet to come. If the Chargers feel comfortable of surrendering some picks and a player like Williams, Brown is worth it because great offensive tackles in this league don’t grow on trees.

Report: Chargers trading CB Desmond King to Titans

The former All-Pro is on his way out.

The Chargers are shipping cornerback Desmond King to the Titans, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Earlier this morning, a report came out stating that Los Angeles was shopping King and multiple teams had been inquiring.

In return, L.A. will be getting a sixth-round selection, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

The former fifth-round pick was an All-Pro selection in 2018. However, in the past two seasons he didn’t make the impact that he had two stints ago.

In four seasons, King amassed 213 tackles, 17 passes defensed, 14 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. The former Iowa product provided versatility at both safety and cornerback.

Report: Chargers shopping CB Desmond King for trade

Chargers cornerback Desmond King is in the final year of his contract.

The Chargers are looking to trade cornerback Desmond King ahead of the trade deadline on Nov. 3.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Los Angeles is shopping King, and that multiple teams have inquired.

This comes the day after L.A. ruled King out from Sunday’s loss to the Broncos for non-injury related reasons. Following the game, coach Anthony Lynn said King not playing was a “team decision.”

King, the former All-Pro defensive back and punt returner, is in the final year of his rookie contract.

After the signing of Chris Harris Jr., his playing time decreased drastically. King saw an uptick of snaps after Harris was placed on the injured reserve weeks ago, but his play has been a model of inconsistency.

In 2019, King experienced a down season, issues off the field and run-ins with the staff.

Should the Chargers choose to ship King, draft picks or offensive line help are among the things that the team could look to get in return.

In four seasons, King has amassed 213 tackles, 17 passes defensed, 14 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.

Which Chargers veterans could be on the trading block?

There are three members of the Los Angeles Chargers who could be involved in a trade package to move up in the draft.

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco didn’t shy away from making a trade up on Thursday night to secure a player that was loved by the coaching throughout the pre-draft process.

Telesco jumped up 14 spots to draft linebacker Kenneth Murray, trading their second and third-round picks with the Patriots.

After giving up both picks, Los Angeles will not be making any selections on Friday evening, at least for now.

“You never know. It’s not like we’re going to take tomorrow off,” Telesco said when asked about the possibility of trading up again to make a selection on Day 2 of the draft.

Without a second or third-round selection, it might be tricky to strike a deal with a team unless it involves a veteran player.

Should Telesco see a player at the wide receiver or offensive tackle position that’s high on their big board that they want to snag once again, who might he look to include in a possible trade?

Three names come to mind – cornerback Desmond King, linebacker Denzel Perryman and defensive end Melvin Ingram.

King has been talked about as a potential option ever since the signing of Chris Harris Jr.

With Harris expected to start in the slot, King is left as a key rotational piece inside or outside. Even if he took the role as the dime linebacker, formerly played by Adrian Phillips, his snaps would significantly decrease from what they were the past few seasons.

King has proven himself as one of the league’s best slot corners, so it’s hard to believe that teams wouldn’t be interested in him, especially when factoring how young he is still.

Perryman could be an option because he only has one more year remaining on his contract and after the emergence of Drue Tranquill, signing of Nick Vigil and selection of Murray, they could be planning for the life after him.

Ingram is the least likely out of the two because he is a focal point to the team for his contributions on the field and in the locker room.

However, like Perryman, he has one more year remaining. Ingram also has the largest salary cap hit on the roster ($16 million), and former second-round pick Uchenna Nwosu has shown to be nearly as promising in his role.

Los Angeles has also had a lot of success finding diamond in the rough pass-rushers that have been productive all throughout training camp and preseason, yet they never make the 53-man roster.

I’m sure they wouldn’t have an issue of striking gold at the position in the late rounds or from the undrafted free agency pool for additional depth.

The bottom line is that it’s evident Telesco won’t shy away from making a trade, as seen yesterday. If he finds himself getting the itch to move up again, it’s likely a player would be required and the ones mentioned would be my best bet to be shipped out as part of the trade package.

Report: Chargers have talked trading up in first round

Could the Los Angeles Chargers move up to grab their quarterback of the future?

The Chargers could be on the move to potentially secure their quarterback of the future.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles has contacted at least one team in the top-5 in regards to a possible trade up.

L.A. could be in touch with the Lions or the Giants.

Assuming they’re interested in moving up from the No. 6 overall selection, this could indicate that they value a quarterback more than the other to assure that he doesn’t fall to a quarterback-needy team like the Dolphins.

This could mean that it’s for Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa or Oregon’s Justin Herbert.

Nothing is set in stone, but certainly an interesting storyline to follow as the draft kicks off at 5 p.m. PT.

Chargers draft trade possibilities using trade values chart

Could the Los Angeles Chargers look to make the leap in the upcoming draft?

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco hasn’t been the most aggressive when it comes to trades on draft day. However, early on in his tenure with the team, Telesco went three consecutive years with making a trade during the draft.

In 2013, the Chargers traded the No. 45 overall selection in the second round and a fourth-rounder to the Cardinals to move up seven spots and picked linebacker Manti Te’o at No. 38.

In 2014, Telesco traded the No. 57 overall selection in the second round and a fourth-rounder to the Dolphins to move up seven spots to select edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu at No. 50.

In 2015, the Bolts traded the No. 17 overall pick, a fourth-rounder and fifth-rounder in 2016 to the 49ers to move up two spots, where they ended up taking running Melvin Gordon at No. 15.

If L.A. is looking to trade up in this year’s draft, it’s important to know the value of each pick and what they would have to give up to get or vice versa.

Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson came up with a trade value chart years ago, which is still used today. It gives each pick in the draft a point value, which helps determine how much the other team should get in return.

Below is a chart of the value of every pick in this year’s draft:

Here are the values of every Chargers pick in the draft:

  • Round 1 (6): 1600 points
  • Round 2 (37): 530 points
  • Round 3 (71): 235 points
  • Round 4 (112): 70 points
  • Round 5 (151): 29.8 points
  • Round 6 (186): 15.8 points
  • Round 7 (220): 2.3 point

Here are a few reasonable trades that the team could look to make.

Chargers receive: No. 3 from DET

Lions receive: No. 6, 37 (2nd), 112 (4th)

Note: Compensation from next year’s draft might be required when looking at previous trades from past drafts.

Chargers receive: No. 31 from SF

49ers receive: No. 37, 112 (4th)

If a team happens to be looking to trade up in front of the Chargers, here is an example of what they’d have to give up.

Chargers receive: No. 10 (from CLE), 74 (3rd), 97 (3rd)

Browns receive: No. 6