Tag: Corey Linsley free agency

Grading Corey Linsley’s deal with the Chargers: A

The Chargers went from worst to best at the center position with the addition of Corey Linsley.

When you have a franchise quarterback, it behooves you to do everything possible to protect him. The Chargers unquestionably have That Guy in Justin Herbert, but in Herbert’s rookie season, per Pro Football Focus, he was pressured on 239 of his 653 dropbacks — only Russell Wilson was pressured more often.

Center Dan Feeney was definitely part of the problem — in 729 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed four sacks, five quarterback hits, and 24 quarterback hurries. That tied him with Connor McGovern of the Jets for the most total pressures (33) allowed by any center. Now, with a five-year, $62.5 million deal given to former Packers center Corey Linsley (which, per Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, makes Linsley the league’s highest-paid center), the Chargers go from the bottom of the barrel to the NFL’s penthouse at the position. Linsley allowed just four total pressures last season on 437 pass-blocking snaps — the lowest pressure total in the NFL.

Linsley is coming off one of his best seasons as a professional, as he allowed just a single sack during the regular season, back in Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was at times dominant as a run blocker, helping pave the way for the Packers talented stable of running backs. In terms of pass protection, according to charting data from Pro Football Focus he allowed just a pair of quarterback hits this past regular season, both of which came against the Chicago Bears in Week 17 (that is in addition to the sack allowed in Week 10 to the Jaguars).

This play against the Detroit Lions highlights what he offers in terms of pass protection:

After delivering the shotgun snap Linsley slides to the outside to meet the threat of the slanting defensive tackle. While the DT has a buildup of speed on his pass-rushing attempt, Linsley is able to control the defender and keep the pocket clean for Aaron Rodgers, giving his QB time to hit on a downfield throw. Linsley made Rodgers very happy for a long time, and he’ll do the same for Herbert.

2021 Free Agency: Chargers could make splash by signing Corey Linsley

The All-Pro center would be a massive addition to the Chargers offensive line.

The Chargers’ main priority this offseason will be to address the dreadful offensive line.

General manager Tom Telesco is well aware of it and he would be wise to be aggressive during the free agency period to acquire players that have proven themselves at a high level.

Packers center Corey Linsley would be a massive signing that would have the arrow pointing upwards for the unit. Linsley is not expected to be re-signed by Green Bay, according to Sports Illustrated’s Bill Hubert.

Voted first-team All-Pro and rated Pro Football Focus’ No. 1 center from 2020, Linsley didn’t allow a sack or a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage vs. the run, according to Sports Info Solutions.

To go along with that, among centers with at least 500 snaps, he had the third-lowest blown-block rate at 0.6 percent. He’s disciplined on the field, too, as he wasn’t penalized.

Linsley is also a strong run-blocker, ranking in the 84th percentile in the percentage of positively graded blocks and the 85th percentile when it comes to avoiding negatives, per Pro Football Focus.

Not only is he a great player, he’s an even better person. Linsley was the team’s nominee for prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

With Dan Feeney set to be free agent, it creates a glaring hole at center. I’ve said before, even if Feeney is re-signed, he could serve as a key depth option at both guard and center.

With a projected $34 million in cap space and more possibly coming depending on potential cuts, L.A. would be sitting pretty to acquire the 29-year old. Linsley would then reunite with his former teammate, Bryan Bulaga.