2022 Official Chargers Season Discussion

[eaterfan]

Players who are anticipating a 4/70 or 4/80 contract that will be >50% guaranteed don’t want a 1 yr tag because every snap has a risk its the last. Sure they get 19, but they could have a $40M+ guarantee no matter what happens forever. This is the leverage.

It's so funny because the QB position is so much different than any other position. Dak Prescott can have his foot taken off and it doesn't affect his next contract one lick, but you're absolutely right about the injury risk for any other player.

Additionally, when it comes to MW, there is also performance risk. One year can make a huge difference. Mike Williams has 2 years over 1,000 yards and has never been the primary focus of a defense over the course of a season. That guaranteed money will look really good if he puts up an Allen Robinson like season in 22.

[Xenos]

Same as every year, basic lip service. He was asked about RT and said it has to be upgraded to take the offense to the next level and could be done by someone on the roster, draft, or FA.

Yeah, it’s that time of year where cloak and daggers are involved lol.

[Velo]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/03/02/andy-isabella-given-permission-to-seek-a-trade/

The Cards' WR Andy Isabella has permission to seek a trade. He might be worth a low round draft choice. He was a 2nd round draft pick in 2019 and for various reasons has not worked out. He's a little guy, Austin Ekeler type, but he has 4.31 speed. A change of scenery might be what he needs. It would be great to have that kind of speed lower on the depth chart to compliment Guyton. He'd also be a kick/punt returner. Anyway, I'll bet he could be had for a 5th or lower or a conditional pick. He had a lot of promise coming out of Univ. of Massachusetts. He also played some RB in college.

[Bolt4Knob]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...-seek-a-trade/

The Cards' WR Andy Isabella has permission to seek a trade. He might be worth a low round draft choice. He was a 2nd round draft pick in 2019 and for various reasons has not worked out. He's a little guy, Austin Ekeler type, but he has 4.31 speed. A change of scenery might be what he needs. It would be great to have that kind of speed lower on the depth chart to compliment Guyton. He'd also be a kick/punt returner. Anyway, I'll bet he could be had for a 5th or lower or a conditional pick. He had a lot of promise coming out of Univ. of Massachusetts. He also played some RB in college.

I mentioned him in the other thread - NFL News - best I would offer is if the Chargers get those 3 7th round comp picks - the Cards get the worst of the three.

That said, his salary is $1.2m -- - so not that much but hasn't shown squat.

[Xenos]

Popper’s takeaway from TT’s press conference yesterday:

https://theathletic.com/3158186/2022/03/02/takeaways-quotes-and-notes-from-chargers-gm-tom-telescos-combine-presser/

INDIANAPOLIS — Chargers general manager Tom Telesco held his annual news conference Tuesday at the NFL combine.

Telesco, in typical fashion, did not divulge much. In fact, he refused to discuss any contract-related topics entirely. But there were still some parcels to glean from the nearly 20-minute meeting with the media.

Here are some takeaways, quotes and notes.

1. Coming off a career season, wide receiver Mike Williams is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins March 16. When asked if there had been any progress in negotiations with Williams and his camp, Telesco said, “No updates right now.” The Chargers could potentially franchise tag Williams. The window for that decision opened Feb. 22 and extends through March 8. Williams would carry a projected $19.127 million cap hit in 2022 if the Chargers do franchise tag him before the deadline, according to OverTheCap. The Chargers would then have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension with Williams. If they do not come to an agreement on an extension, that $19.127 million cap hit would stand for the season.

2. Telesco did say that his “preference would be” to extend Williams long term. And he added that cap considerations are a major factor in whether to franchise tag a specific player.

Williams’ potential $19.127 million cap hit would rank seventh among all wide receivers for 2022, just behind teammate Keenan Allen, who is slated to have a $19.2 million cap hit for next season. Between Allen and Williams, the Chargers would be devoting over $38 million in space and close to 18 percent of their cap to their top two wide receivers. Justin Herbertplaying a cheap rookie deal would make this feasible. But a long-term extension for Williams would mean a more reasonable 2022 cap hit.

The downside of a long-term extension is less flexibility in future seasons and a more intense commitment to a player who has really only put together one elite season. Considering his injury history and, at times, inconsistent production, committing $17 million in average annual value — Williams’ likely market value — over three or four seasons is riskier than committing the $19.127 million for one season with no strings attached. I sense that both options are on the table right now. But I still think the Chargers will end up franchise-tagging Williams.

3. The Chargers can save $10.75 million in cap space by cutting offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, according to OverTheCap. When asked about Bulaga’s future with the team, Telesco said, “Undetermined right now. We’ll have time to work through those decisions moving forward.”

Not that much time, though. Bulaga is due a $2.5 million roster bonus on March 20, meaning the Chargers would owe him that money if he is on the roster on that date. And they would need to cut him before the new league year to have that $10.75 million to spend in early frenzy of free agency.

I asked Telesco if retirement is on the table for Bulaga. “That I don’t know,” he said. The Chargers would save the same amount of space for 2022 if they cut Bulaga or he retires. But it is hard to imagine Bulaga willingly leaving money on the table. I expect the Chargers to cut Bulaga at some point in the next two weeks.

4. Another contract deadline that is approaching: the Chargers’ decision on whether to exercise the fifth-year option on Jerry Tillery’s rookie deal for 2023. The deadline for that decision is May 3. As an interior defensive lineman, Tillery’s fifth-year option would equate to a $10.069 million cap hit in 2023, according to OverTheCap. That is way too expensive. Tillery is not worth that money. Telesco was asked if the Chargers are going to pick up Tillery’s option. “All the contract plans I’ll talk about down the road,” Telesco said. “It’s not really for today.”

I found this answer particularly interesting because, in years past, Telesco has not shied away from revealing his plans for fifth-year options at this time of the NFL calendar. In 2020, when Mike Williams was up for his fifth-year option, Telesco was asked at the combine if he planned to exercise it. “That would be the plan going in,” he said then. In 2021, safety Derwin James was up for his fifth-year option. Telesco was asked in January about whether he would exercise it. “That would probably be a pretty easy decision,” Telesco said. “That would be the easiest decision of the week there.”

His non-answer on Tillery is notable. I do not expect the Chargers to exercise his fifth year before the May deadline.

5. Speaking of James, Telesco refused to comment on whether the Chargers had discussed an extension with their star safety. This is the second offseason James has been eligible for an extension, but last year, he was coming off two injury-shortened seasons. “I just won’t have a comment on contract plans right now,” Telesco said Tuesday. Telesco has often gushed about James, and rightfully so. An extension would likely decrease James’ 2022 cap hit. He is currently slated for a $9.052 million cap hit on his fifth-year option. I think this deal gets done this offseason.

6. Chris Harris Jr., the Chargers’ top slot corner the past two seasons, is set to hit free agency. Telesco would not comment on Harris’ contract situation. I followed up by asking about the possible slot corner replacements on the roster. He brought up second-year corner Asante Samuel Jr., who played exclusively on the outside as a rookie in 2021. “What I do know is that Asante can play inside and outside, which is a plus,” Telesco said.

Would there be any hesitancy for him in Samuel switching positions from the outside to the slot, considering how well the second-round pick played on the outside last season? I suggested it could stunt his development. “I don’t think so,” Telesco said. “I would leave that up to Brandon (Staley), wherever he feels Asante’s best spot is. But it’s comforting to know that, at least with me, I’m confident he can play wherever we need to play him.”

If Samuel does move inside, that would open up some possibilities for the Chargers to focus on an outside corner in free agency or the draft. Something to keep an eye on. However, I still think the better option is keeping Samuel outside and looking for a slot corner in the draft.

7. Telesco said pretty explicitly that the Chargers will be looking to add to their tight end room this offseason, especially with both Jared Cook and Stephen Anderson set to hit free agency. He commended Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty and Anderson for their play in 2021. “I like the young guys and I like the roles they played,” Telesco said. “But obviously it’s probably a group that we’re going to have to add to some way somehow because that room is a little small if Jared Cook is not in there — which I don’t know yet — but if he’s not we’ve got a void there. But I like the roles that those guys played, but it’s also a room that’s maybe not complete yet either.”

8. The Chargers need to find a reliable backup for running back Austin Ekeler. Justin Jacksonis set to hit free agency. Larry Rountree and Joshua Kelley remain on the roster. “If we want our offense to evolve and continue to get better, we have to get better in that spot,” Telesco said of the RB2. “Wherever that comes from, that remains to be seen. But, yeah, we need to get more from that spot, and it could be from someone currently on the team, and it may be a free agent, it could be a draft pick. It could be anything. But if we want our offense to really evolve to what it can be, we need a little more from that spot.”

The Chargers have the cap space to make a play for a free agent back. And I think that is a strong possibility considering what Telesco said. They need consistency and availability from that position, and the easiest way to find those attributes could be through an established veteran.

9. Kicker Dustin Hopkins and returner Andre Roberts — who are both slated to become unrestricted free agents — helped ignite a special teams turnaround this past season when the Chargers signed both specialists during the bye in Week 7. But it does not sound like either player is a lock to return. The Chargers have a new special teams coordinator in Ryan Ficken. Long snapper Matt Overton is also set for unrestricted free agency, and punter Ty Long is a restricted free agent. Telesco also pointed out that their top gunner, Ryan Smith, is set to hit free agency, as well.

“We’ve got some work to do obviously just with those positions,” Telesco said. “I rely a lot on our special teams coaches to help with that because I just feel like in terms of really evaluating specialists, they do this every day and they’re really good at it and they have a network of people. So (Ficken) is going to be a big part of us, whether it’s continuity from what we have to what he sees on the outside.”

[Bolt4Knob]

Popper’s takeaway from TT’s press conference yesterday:

https://theathletic.com/3158186/2022/03/02/takeaways-quotes-and-notes-from-chargers-gm-tom-telescos-combine-presser/

Agree that Tillery will not have his 5th year option picked up

RB in free agency: he didn't say it in this read but has mentioned Chase Edmonds multiple times

Hopkins and Roberts - I am good they are looking at trying to upgrade even more. Just because they were better than normal doesn't mean cannot get better.

Williams - thats the thing that will set in motion the rest of the offseason

[Boltjolt]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...-seek-a-trade/

The Cards' WR Andy Isabella has permission to seek a trade. He might be worth a low round draft choice. He was a 2nd round draft pick in 2019 and for various reasons has not worked out. He's a little guy, Austin Ekeler type, but he has 4.31 speed. A change of scenery might be what he needs. It would be great to have that kind of speed lower on the depth chart to compliment Guyton. He'd also be a kick/punt returner. Anyway, I'll bet he could be had for a 5th or lower or a conditional pick. He had a lot of promise coming out of Univ. of Massachusetts. He also played some RB in college.

He wasn't used much as a return guy. I don't see really any value in him except he runs fast. I'd only claim him if waived.

[Velo]

I mentioned him in the other thread - NFL News - best I would offer is if the Chargers get those 3 7th round comp picks - the Cards get the worst of the three.

That said, his salary is $1.2m -- - so not that much but hasn't shown squat.

I would be willing to give up as high as a 5th. I'd rather take a chance on Isabella than draft another Josh Kelley or Rountree. I know he has not been a returner, but I think he is well suited for that role. I think he has potential, there is a reason he was drafted so high - ahead of DK Metcalf.

[Velo]

Does Keenan want Telesco to call the Giants about Saquon Barkley?

[wu-dai clan]

Popper’s takeaway from TT’s press conference yesterday:
https://theathletic.com/3158186/2022...mbine-presser/

I read little into TT's comments.
Fasten your seatbelt.
Mark March 8 on your calendar.
We know nothing.

Famous quotes from TT.

Past years: "...lots of moving parts."
This year: "...undetermined."
LOL.

[Bolt4Knob]

I would be willing to give up as high as a 5th. I'd rather take a chance on Isabella than draft another Josh Kelley or Rountree. I know he has not been a returner, but I think he is well suited for that role. I think he has potential, there is a reason he was drafted so high - ahead of DK Metcalf.

If Telesco gives up a 5th for a guy who is most likely going to be waived - he should be fired

Now if they want to do something like Murray for Isabella - that might make some sense (if the Chargers are totally down and done with Murray)

[Boltjolt]

I would be willing to give up as high as a 5th. I'd rather take a chance on Isabella than draft another Josh Kelley or Rountree. I know he has not been a returner, but I think he is well suited for that role. I think he has potential, there is a reason he was drafted so high - ahead of DK Metcalf.

Lol, you think he has shown anything close to being DK Metcalf? Some guys get over drafted. He is one of them because he ran fast.

3 years and he was used less in his 3rd year. Now they say, go find a team and we'll try and trade you which usually means he will be cut.
I wouldn't give anything but a waiver claim.