The Los Angeles Chargers are set to enter free agency with the most salary cap available since Tom Telesco took over as general manager in 2013.
Even though the franchise has some in-house players that will need to get paid, there’s a great chance that Telesco and company will be aggressive in signing other soon-to-be free agents to bolster an already talented roster, with the hopes of making a quick turnaround after finishing 5-11 in 2019.
With that being said, we are going to list one pending free agent from each team in the NFL that could be a realistic target for L.A. Next up is the AFC North.
Cincinatti Bengals – CB Darqueze Dennard
The Chargers have one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league in Casey Hayward, who is signed through 2021. However, the depth behind him isn’t the greatest. Michael Davis produced a mixed bag of results as a starter and Brandon Facyson doesn’t have much experience in the starting role.
Dennard, who was drafted by the Bengals in 2014, could help shore up a young and talented secondary. He was limited to only 290 coverage snaps in 2019 but put up a career-high and 15th best coverage grade on those snaps. Dennard allowed only four catches of 10-plus yards, as well, per Pro Football Focus.
Pittsburgh Steelers – OL B.J. Finney
The guard position needs to be immediately revamped, but the center spot could need to be as well, depending on the results of Mike Pouncey’s neck. With that, the Chargers could benefit from a player like Finney who offers versatility as he has 12 starts along the three interior positions under his belt.
Finney has spent the past four seasons as a reserve option for the Steelers. But in 2019, the 28-year old played very well in the opportunities he was given. Los Angeles would be getting a bargain since Finney shouldn’t command top dollar compared to the others at his position.
Cleveland Browns – OT Greg Robinson
Finding a plug-and-play right tackle is an absolute must, but the Chargers could be in the market for a new starting left tackle depending on how the team views Russell Okung’s future after he dealt with a serious medical issue and an injury this past season.
After a promising 2018 season in Cleveland with just one sack given up, Robinson gave up four this past season and committed 11 penalties. Coming off a head-scratching campaign, Robinson might not require a hefty paycheck. If that’s the case, the Bolts could sign him to a friendly deal in hopes of rejuvenating him with new offensive line coach, James Campen.
Baltimore Ravens – WR Seth Roberts
It wouldn’t be all that surprising if the Chargers choose to neglect the free agent wideouts and choose to pick one up in a deep wide receiver draft class. But if they are intrigued by the options via free agency, Roberts would be worth a look as a low-tier WR3-high upside WR4.
Roberts didn’t have the season he was hoping for in 2019, as his 274 receiving yards were the lowest in his professional career. But throughout his career, he’s been the model of toughness, durability and versatility at the position.
