The Chargers won’t be aggressive when it comes to signing free agents, as they’re currently $35 million over the projected salary cap.
While they’re cash-strapped, general manager Joe Hortiz will make some moves to have some spendings available to them so they can sign some.
That said, I will 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.
Cincinnati Bengals: TE Drew Sample
The Chargers haven’t had a good run-blocking tight end since Hunter Henry. Since they’re going to run the ball heavily in Greg Roman’s offense, it’s imperative that they bring in players at the position that are strong in that department.
While he wasn’t an asset in the Bengals’ passing game, Sample was superb as a blocker, both in pass protection and in the running game. That’s not to say that he can’t be used as a receiver, however. Across five seasons, Sample has 80 catches for 621 yards and three touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns: DT Maurice Hurst
The Chargers need to add more pass-rush juice in the middle of the defensive line. They could target Hurst, who Jim Harbaugh coached at Michigan before being drafted by the Raiders in 2018.
Hurst has had his fair share of injuries in the past three seasons, from a torn biceps to a pectoral issue. But when he’s been on the field, Hurst has been a solid interior rusher. In 2022, Hurst had a pressure rate above 10% on the year and a pass-rush grade above 75.0.
Given his injury history, Hurst will likely be cheap, too.
Pittsburgh Steelers: S Miles Killebrew
While the Chargers need more help at safety, the position is not where Killebrew would make his money. It would be on special teams, where he made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team for his play in that department in 2023.
Killebrew blocked three punts since signing with the Steelers in 2021, which are tied for the most by any team in the NFL since that time. He has four blocked punts in his career.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Gus Edwards
Jim Harbaugh made the point that the Chargers are going to put a big emphasis on bolstering the running game. And that starts with bringing in backs to fit Greg Roman’s scheme.
Edwards played for Roman in 2019, 2020 and 2022 when he was the Ravens’ play-caller. In those seasons, Edwards averaged at least five yards per carry. He is coming off his most productive season as a pro, as he finished with 810 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
As Los Angeles seeks to efficiently pound the rock, Edwards could be the downhill bruiser as they begin to build out the backfield.
