Sitting at 3-7, the chances of the Chargers making the playoffs are very slim. While there’s still some hope among some fans, the majority of them are already looking towards the next season, particularly the offseason where there will be some retooling to the roster.
A big part of that includes free agency, where Los Angeles will have a few notable players that they will have to decide whether or not they will have returning.
The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia ranked the top-50 free agents currently set to hit the market in 2021. L.A. had three players featured on the list and a couple of players as honorable mentions.
Highest on the list for the Bolts is edge defender Melvin Ingram.
Here’s what Kapadia wrote:
16. Melvin Ingram, edge, Chargers (32)
He’s had a very good career, but Ingram has battled injuries and has no sacks and four QB hits this season. Plus, age is working against him. Ingram can still be a disruptive player and is a versatile pass rusher capable of lining up in different spots. But his lack of production this year could hurt him. Ingram could be an attractive option for a contending team looking for a short-term fix. Jason Pierre-Paul’s two-year, $25 million deal from last offseason could be a good comp.
Following Ingram is tight end Hunter Henry, who has served as a security blanket for quarterback Justin Herbert this season.
26. Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers (26)
The Chargers tagged Henry last offseason. He ranks sixth among tight ends with 435 receiving yards so far this season but is 25th with 1.36 yards per route run. Austin Hooper got a four-year, $42 million deal last offseason. Given how young Henry is, he could be in line for a similar deal.
The last person on the list is cornerback Michael Davis, who’s been one of the more productive players in the secondary.
48. Michael Davis, CB, Chargers (26)
After originally signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Davis has developed into a quality starting corner. He has size at 6-foot-2 and athletic traits and is young. Davis has been on the field for 96 percent of the Chargers’ defensive snaps this season and has been a contributing player for three seasons. His best days could be still to come.
The Chargers also had two others listed among the honorable mentions that barely didn’t make the list, linebacker Denzel Perryman and safety Rayshawn Jenkins, two defenders that have been impactful this season.