We still have a couple of months until the new league year begins in the middle of March, but everyone is already gearing up for what will be one of the most enticing offseasons for the Chargers in the last decade.
While there are a number of players from other teams that look like good bait to sign during the free agency period, Los Angeles will have a handful of in-house names that are intriguing other teams that they will have to decide on.
ESPN released their top-50 free agents to hit the market, and the Bolts had three players listed: tight end Hunter Henry, quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon.
Checking in at No. 9 is Henry:
Henry returned to full strength after a torn ACL cost him the 2018 season, catching 55 passes for 652 yards — both career-highs. The dynamic role of tight ends in today’s offenses suggests he will be highly sought-after if he reaches the market. The Patriots, in particular, seem like an obvious team of interest.
Henry should be a priority for general manager Tom Telesco. Though he has been hindered by a couple knee injuries, he is a difference-maker in the passing game and he is arguably one of the better blockers on the team. It wouldn’t be surprising if Henry becomes the highest-paid tight end in the league.
Seven spots after Henry is Rivers at No. 16:
Rivers slipped in his 16th season, finishing No. 22 in QBR (48.9), and his teary Week 17 postgame press conference suggested he is ready and willing to move on. It’s not outlandish to think he could put a playoff-ready team over the top. Remember, Brett Favre was 39 when he signed with the Vikings in 2009.
All eyes are on the 38-year old during this period. Rivers is coming off one of his worst seasons yet, and it just so happened to occur on a contract year, giving the team some pause in regards to his future. While some of it falls on the offensive line carousel throughout the season, there were clear signs of regression in terms of his arm strength and decision-making.
Lastly, is Gordon, who checks in at No. 24:
The Chargers’ decision to stand firm during Gordon’s 2019 holdout, and Gordon’s career-low 612 rushing yards upon his return, seem to suggest a parting of ways this offseason. Gordon did manage to rush for eight touchdowns, and his total of 26 over the past three seasons ranks No. 6 in the NFL. His holdout reduced the mileage on his body, but at least some teams will view him as an aging running back whose best years have passed.
Gordon spent last offseason and a few games into the 2019 regular season holding out in hopes of receiving a new paycheck. That was never granted, so he decided to return to show his worth. He finished the season with 612 rushing yards (3.8 yards per carry) and nine total touchdowns.
It was an up-and-down year for the former Wisconsin product, but durability concerns still loom and the emergence of running backs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson could justify the team’s decision to move on from him this offseason.