The 2021 season has just ended, and from March 16, the 2022 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the off-season. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agent to extend? Which rookies to watch? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the Los Angeles Chargers.
Exiting the playoff race after overtime in the last regular season game, the Chargers were scuttled when they had their destiny in their hands in the home stretch. Error of youth, lack of consistency, defensive deficiency, the reasons are multiple. But the foundations are there. A young and talented quarterback, confirmed leaders, young nuggets, the future can be bright in Los Angeles. But on condition of negotiating a good off-season where the franchise will have the means to strengthen itself. Starting with the base, the trenches.
The owners
1. Justin Herbert (QB)
2. Joey Bosa (Edge)
3. Keenan Allen (WR)
In two seasons, Justin Herbert has already entered the annals of the franchise. By crossing the bar of 5000 yards and throwing 38 touchdowns he erased the legend Philip Rivers from the shelves. Able to take the measure of any defense, the young quarterback has one of the most devastating arms in the league. A true leader, he very quickly created a perfect chemistry with his targets.
When he is not bothered by physical glitches, Joey Bosa remains a poison for opposing quarterbacks even if his statistical performance is not always impressive. Base man of the defensive line, captain and highest paid player in the workforce, he has been a pillar of the Bolts since his draft in 2016.
Too often ignored when quoting the best receivers in the NFL, Keenan Allen is nevertheless among the safest values in his position. Fantastic track runner, able to produce from the outside as well as from the slot, he has been the unfailing engine of the Californian attack for 9 seasons.
The unwanted
–Bryan Bulaga (OT)
Arrived from Green Bay two seasons ago in exchange for a big check, the former bodyguard of Aaron Rodgers has only played 11 games in two years. If these qualities are not in question, his inability to stay on the field with such a salary should push the franchise to show him the way out. An early departure would free up nearly $11 million in payroll.
The summer man
Derwin James (S)
All Pro from his rookie season, Derwin James had two complicated seasons in 2019 and 2020 with only 5 small matches played. Back in full possession of his means this season, the safety has again shone on the last curtain of the Chargers. Leader on and off the field, defensive captain, he has proven that he can be the best in his position. As long as you stay in shape. Entering his fifth and final year of his contract, negotiations for a lucrative extension should begin shortly.
“I can’t say enough good things about him as a player and as a person, as a leader for us,” said general manager Tom Telesco.
The main free agents
1. Mike Williams (WR)
2. Kyzir White (LB)
3. Uchenna Nwosu (Edge)
4. Linval Joseph (DT)
5. Chris Harris (BC)
The others: Jared Cook (TE), Kyler Fackrell (Edge), Okay Aboushi (OL), Scott Quessenberry (C), Michael Schofield (OL), Senio Kelemete (OL), Dustin Hopkins (K), Chase Daniel (QB) , Ty Long (P), Justin Jones (DT), Christian Covington (DT), Donald Parham (TE)
Author of his best statistical season, Mike Williams waited until the last year of his rookie contract to confirm the hopes placed in him when he was selected for 7th place in the 2017 draft. Having found chemistry with his quarterback, particularly in the game long, extending it would provide stability and continuity. But the emergence of Josh Palmer at the end of the season could encourage the front office to save their money for other priorities. Using the franchise tag could be an alternative. Under the orders of Brandon Staley, Kyzir White has passed a level. The linebacker has become a staple man and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him extended before free agency begins.
On the defensive line, the already weak Chargers have three important players at the end of the lease. Veteran Linval Joseph could make way for a younger, less expensive solution. Jones and Covington, useful in the rotation, could return if their demands are reasonable. After a complicated start to the season in the Staley system, Uchenna Nwosu had a very interesting second half of the season. Enough to stir up lusts in the next free agent market? At just 25 years old, the pass rusher could have a good card to play to win a good contract and more responsibility. Quite far from his level in Denver, Chris Harris Jr. never had the expected impact on the side of SoFi Stadium. After two seasons bringing his experience to a very young backfield, the veteran should be left free.
Top 5 Needs
1. Defensive tackle
2. Right Guard
3. Linebacker
4. Cornerback
5.Tight end
Despite a young and talented group, the workforce of Los Angeles still suffers from many holes on both sides of the ball. Particularly mediocre against the race in 2021, and with several holders at the end of the contract, the staff will have to focus part of their off-season on the run stop. Whether in the heart of the defensive line or even on the second curtain where Kenneth Murray is struggling to confirm, the Chargers need reinforcement in quality and number. The exteriors will also be considered to provide support to an often lonely Joey Bosa. The bottom line is solid when the starters stay healthy. But more depth, especially at the cornerback position, would guarantee more serenity in the face of the vagaries of a season.
A permanent site for years, the offensive line, although progressing last season, must continue to evolve. The right side in particular needs stability and certainty. If Herbert has a quality target group, adding a tight end will be a must in the spring. The veteran Cook at the end of the contract, a safety valve at mid distance capable of contributing to the block will be useful alongside the young McKitty drafted last year.
Target
Dalton Schultz (TE)
With just over 57 million available, the Chargers rank second among the teams with the most leeway in the free agent market. If reinforcements on the pass rush could be welcome, Tom Telesco could bring an immediate boost to his attack by signing Dalton Schultz. An offensive revelation for the Cowboys in 2020, the 25-year-old tight end confirmed this season with 78 receptions for 808 yards and 8 touchdowns. Dak Prescott’s trusted man, and particularly valuable in the red zone, he has become one of the references to his position. In a position where rookies are rarely successful immediately, seeing Schultz land in the sky and white jersey would be an instant added value and a blessing for Justin Herbert.
The new blood
Jordan Davis (DT)
Already weak against the race, the team could lose veteran Linval Joseph at the end of the contract. Strengthening the defense on the ground will not be done with just one player, but Jordan Davis could be the new cornerstone on which to build new solidity. Being able to play a midfielder in a three-man defense or in a more classic defensive tackle position, the Georgia player is the best bulwark against the race of the vintage. Monopolizing two opponents to be slowed down, he allows his teammates to have more freedom to catch the runners.
Other possible choices: DeMarvin Leal (DL), Nakobe Dean (LB), Devin Lloyd (LB)
