2018 Free Agency

[Steve]

The thing in the Barnwell article that got me thinking this afternoon was Benjamin. Barnwell HATED the Benjamin signing. He thought it was a huge mistake form the beginning. If you look at Benjamin's numbers alone, there is some merit to what he is saying. However, when you look at the all 22, it is pretty clear that Benjamin keeps defenses back on their heels some. He is not as good a punt returner as we thought when we signed him from Cleveland, but he still adds an explosive element, even if he is pretty average the rest of the time. I don' think we would want to try forcing him to lower his cap number this season. As soon as Mike Williams develops, then we can think about it. But it is not something that fits in that well. Besides, unless we cut him, it really doesn't free up a ton of cap space. enough for one lower/mid-tier FA.

Both Benjamin and Tyrell Williams need to show a bit more. They have the speed, and have really stepped up their route running. Both are a little lazy fighting DB's for the ball in the air and have trouble getting off of press coverage. If either or both can step up their game, then we can entertain the thought of letting one go next season.

Also, I know Barnwell has a whole league to cover, but Phillips is really horrible at FS. If Boston leaves via FA, we have to find someone else. Maybe that someone else is Addae (FS) and Phillips moves over to SS. Phillips can play in the box, like an extra LB. He is horrible playing in the deep S spot. Addae is acutally not bad playing back off the line, as long as he doesn't try to destroy everyone with knockout hits.

[Fleet]

[Steve]

Eric Williams options for vet kickers. Mostly washed up, but even a washed up K can last a couple of seasons.

[bonehead]

Eric Williams options for vet kickers. Mostly washed up, but even a washed up K can last a couple of seasons.

[Steve]

Washed up is too hard, but some of these guys have at LEAST a year or two left.

[chargerkdb]

I would take a guy with an extra point or two left much less years, we may need to bite bullet and spend 4th on the kicker from Auburn.

[Bolt-O]

Vinatieri was extended by the Colts.

[Boltjolt]

Still like going to get Sturgis when he is released, or trade a late round pick for him.

[bonehead]

A sixth rounder for Sturgis sounds good

a fourth for Carlson seems kind of steep

[TTThunder]

Please don't waste draft pick on K... (Use it for other positions that are more difficult to find players...)

Go Bolts!!!

[Panamamike]

Please don't waste draft pick on K... (Use it for other positions that are more difficult to find players...)

Go Bolts!!!

Agreed. With several injured K all coming back, old guys not retiring, the several injury replacement K that did well, PLUS incoming rookies, there should be ample opportunity to get a kicker without using a 4th rd pick IMO. And definately do not trade a pick to team for a kicker when they have to release one. There are not many teams looking to replace a K this season, in fact it looks like over supply to me.

[rikardo]

Any news or rumor of what FA players the Chargers are interested?

[Steve]

They can't make any signs of signing people till close to March 14th, the start of the new year.

As I pointed out at the start of the thread, I don't think we have enough salary cap space to be very active, unless we cut Liuget and Mebane (and maybe Benjamin). Those are the only guys that would clear up enough cap space to allow us to go after anyone but league min types.

It's not like there is a very impressive class of players at positions of need.

This is my list, so there is no reason to think the Chargers necessarily have targeted anyone on this list.


OT
* Nate Solder, who NE may make an effort to sign, but he may also retire due to his kid having cancer.

* Chris Hubbard, who is listed at RT, but actually plays inside as much as outside.

* We could trade for Cordy Glenn, since Buffalo will probably look to trade him since they have Dion Dawkins.

* Jason Peters will be getting cut by Philly, but his injuries and weight problems make him less of an option then the guys we have already.

* I have heard rumors that Duane Brown may be FA, but it kinda seems like Settle will try and keep him, plus he has always been kinda of an up and down guy anyway. Still he is the 2nd best street FA (if Settle cuts him) at OT, because he has had some really good moments. So if the price is right ..........

* Ereck Flowers is always going to get some press, but the guy is just awful, and was a huge reach by the Giants (former 1st rounder). Menelik Watson will probably get cut, but he is not much better than Flowers.

C
*C Matt Paradis might make it to being a FA, but Den may not have enough money to tender him very high.

*Washington C Spencer Long is also a FA, but it probably looking for a $6-8 million per year payday.

*C Ryan Jensen (ravens) is very likely to get much more more than Long, since he is a much better player. Still, he has only been a starter for a year.

DT
* I think the best option is Chris Baker (NT) from TB and Washington. He just turner 30, is still fairly explosive and has less wear than a lot of DT, since he didn't get much playing time his 1st couple of years. He has been a good run defender and a couple of seasons has had some good pass rush stats. But he keeps wearing out his welcome because his practice effort isn't all that great and TB he made a critical error that cost them a game and then dismissed it like it was not big deal. He is a good example of why the DT spot is pretty bad in FA this year. If we could bring him to camp on the cheap on a 1-year deal, but otherwise not really worth it. And he is the best option.......

* Sheldon Richardson has put up great stats in the past, but likes to smoke weed, has not been productive lately and seems to think he is going to cash in as a FA. Unless someone really knows how to push his buttons, I would rather not sign him. I have seen that he wants a contract somewhat north of $12 million (actually saw he wants $15 mill per year, but that isn't going to happen with his stats).

* Mo WIlkerson - see his former teammate Shldon Richardson. He would be a lot cheaper than Richardson, and will probably be forced to play on a 1 year prove it type deal.

*Bennie Logan can still play some but is not an every down player as a NT. Adds nothing to the pass rush. He may also not be all that happy with the fact that he is probably not going to get elite player money since he is just a run stuffer. If we can get him at a reasonable enough price, he would be a good replacement for Mebane if he has a good attitude.

* Star Lotuleilei - Big name, low production and just not a good player anymore. A guy his size should be a better run stuffer and not get pushed around as much as he does. If we could sign him for league min and use him as a camp body, that would be OK, but that is about it.

* Dontari Poe is still a big name and had his moments in Atlanta, but is still not an impressive run stuffer or great pass rusher. He can flash some ability, but he looks like a guy with a bad back.

* Pat Sims is a lower priced run stuffer but is past his prime.

* Justin Ellis is a younger version of Sims, but has struggled with his weight and consistency.

* Beau Allen is a young, high energy guy, but is a pumped-up try hard guy is not all that productive. Energy and effort are 1st- rate, but he is a good part of a rotation, but a real answer. Could fill in for Mebane, and would probably be fairly cheap. Adds zero pass rush, although he mostly plays on early downs. The biggest advantage is a decent player from a team with cap problems so unless another team takes a big interest, it wouldn't be too hard to get him out of Philly.

ILB
* Zach Brown has some injury problems, but has been a good coverage LB and pursuit LB vs the run. Would probably fit our D, but his best work has been in the 34 style D.
* Demario Davis is very productive, but a much better player going forward as a rusher and stunt guy, his coverage is not that great.

* Will Compton is a try hard guy who is better than the guys we have and would be fairly cheap. Not the best player, but has been OK in terms of production. Never will be an elite player.

* Anthony Hitchens is probably the most dynamic guy, but has a long injury history. Guy makes a lot of plays when healthy.

* Preston Brown a somewhat limited MLB who makes a fair number of plays, and you will always be trying to replace, but he is not a horrible player. For us he would be a huge upgrade since he is a reliable tackler, but he doesn't attack the line with gusto. More quick than fast type. More a technique guy than a speed guy in coverage. He shows up, has started all but 2 games since he was drafted, and he played in both of those. More effective than big play guy.

* Nigel Bradham high energy guy who runs well and calls the signals for Philly.Is officially an OLB, but lines up over the OG in their nickel. Not great at setting the edge, so would probably be a better flow and stack LB. Better in coverage and as a tackler than Perryman, but not as stout or physical in the running game. Just depends on what you want in the MIKE LB spot for the D. Not a big play guy, but did a great job of making adjustments so others could.

OLB
* Bruce Irvin is due to be cut by Oakland, and would be a good fit as a SAM/OTTO OLB for us. Not an every down guy, but can do enough for that spot. WOuld also give a situational rusher to compliment Bosa and Ingram and allow one of them to move inside on rush downs. But contract would need to reflect that he would not play much in our dime package (except as an extra rusher or backup LEO), which is mostly what we play.

* Attaochu I know isn't a favorite of this board, but the fact is any LB who plays SAM/OTTO is really just going to be a backup DE. Sure, he will play in the base D, but mostly that is short yardage stuff, so their ability to rush the passer and set the edge is key. But really it is about being part of the pass rush rotation. The real SAM LB is Demond King as the nickel DB.

S
It basically comes down to Lamarcus Joyner or Boston. Joyner will probably get in the $10 mill plus range, and Boston about $8 mill. Joyner is the much better player, but that drives his contract value up more. Boston is a good fit for our D, but would be a whole lot better if he came up in run support quicker and was a more reliable tackler. Boston has just not done a whole lot except last season.
There are some older, fall back type choices, but they are all about the same, and certainly not as good as what Boston did.

[Formula 21]

Biggest mystery of 2012 draft. Why would anyone pick Bruce Irvin over Melvin Ingram. Thanks Seattle.

[Formula 21]

Give me a one year show me player or a low priced quality backup. Otherwise, Charger money is for Charger players who have produced.