With free agency kicking off in exactly a week from today, matchmaker has been in full effect.
The Athletic’s Sheil Kapadia is the latest to predict where the top-100 free agents will sign when the period begins on March 18. Kapadia factored in need, scheme fit, cap space and how organizations have historically operated to slot the players for the activity.
For Los Angeles, he sees them signing right tackle Bryan Bulaga, cornerback Ronald Darby and re-signing tight end Hunter Henry.
The tackle position sits near the top in terms of positional need for the Chargers. Bulaga is seeking $12 million per year, but his track record proves that he’s worth the money. The 30-year old would be a huge upgrade over Sam Tevi.
The Chargers need help at both tackle spots, and The Athletic’s Daniel Popper recently pointed out that Los Angeles’ new offensive line coach James Campen came over from Green Bay where he coached Bulaga.
The Bolts need to find a compliment opposite of CB Casey Hayward. Darby, 26, has the speed that would be coveted but there’s not much to his game outside of that. He has regressed the past few season and he can’t seem to shake the injury bug. Someone like Trae Waynes might be a better option.
Darby has good cover skills, but he’s had injury issues, is not a good tackler and does not have great ball skills. Last year he had to settle on a one-year deal, and that could be the case again this offseason. The Chargers can take a flier and see if Darby can give them competent play as a No. 2 corner.
Re-signing Henry is the main priority for the Chargers. Despite being hampered by injuries over the past few seasons, Henry is a key piece to the offense, as he has proven to be both a reliable pass-catcher and run blocker.
Durability has been an issue — Henry has played 41 games in four seasons — but he will be just 25 at the start of next season. Whether with the franchise tag or a long-term deal, the Chargers decide to keep him.