We are less than a week away from the start of free agency frenzy as the new league year kicks off at 1:00pm PT on March 13.
While the NFL Scouting Combine is usually the preview for the upcoming draft, it's also an opportunity to talk with notable league experts and pundits about free agency. More specifically, how they feel the Chargers should attack it.
As Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco enters his seventh season, one thing's for certain, he prefers a draft, develop and re-sign philosophy. However, the Bolts have added key free agent additions over the years including Casey Hayward, Russell Okung and Mike Pouncey. Each player made the Pro Bowl the year they signed with the team.
"Save the deal for Russell Okung, Tom Telesco doesn't throw around a giant pile of money on big name players from other teams, preferring instead to take care of his own guys who are up," Matt "Money" Smith said of the GM's free agency mantra.
But while we know Telesco's usual M.O., history has shown he isn't afraid to make a splash when needed. So, what's a spot the Bolts could potentially bolster next week?
"They don't really do a lot, which is smart, because they draft so well," mentioned Adam Caplan. "They draft and develop and sign selected free agents. They're really light at defensive tackle, so I hope they can bring two of those guys back, or at least one. D-tackle is a major priority because they just don't have any depth right now."
As Caplan stated, the Chargers have four defensive linemen set to be free agents come next Wednesday in Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Darius Philon and Damion Square.
"You never want to leave yourself almost barren at a certain position," Alex Marvez stated. "At defensive tackle, this team has four guys set to be free agents…. I'm sure Tom Telesco has a plan, but defensive tackles aren't easy to come by. The Chargers are going to have to find a way to fortify themselves there."
As a reminder, the Chargers are free to re-sign any of their own players prior to Wednesday.
But along with defensive tackle, what's another position the team could use help at through free agency? According to pundits, it's at linebacker, as the team has a couple players set to hit the market next week.
"You go back to the (Divisional Round), and you saw how they went to defensive backs instead of linebackers in a lot of places," Mike Garafolo reflected. "If you can get linebackers who can run, I think that's a huge thing for a team to get via free agency or through the draft…to make themselves more versatile, defensively."
Keep your eyes on the potential moves the team could make in the upcoming week, as it all unfolds beginning Wednesday at 1:00pm PT.
