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.
First up is the AFC West.
Denver Broncos: TE Adam Trautman
Gerald Everett and Nick Vannett are set to be free agents. Donald Parham and Stone Smartt are still on the roster, but in a new offensive scheme, Greg Roman will likely want his own guys.
With the Bolts expected to run the ball heavily, tight ends that can block are imperative in Roman’s offense, which is Trautman’s strength.
Trautman has the size and technique to move defenders and create openings for running backs. While he has primarily been used as a blocker, Trautman has intriguing receiving traits.
Across four seasons with the Saints and Broncos, Trautman has 82 catches for 845 yards and seven catches.
Kansas City Chiefs: OL Nick Allegretti
I mentioned how the Chargers are going to build heavily through the trenches with Jim Harbaugh overseeing the team.
Allegretti is a versatile lineman with most of his experience at left guard, but he’s also played right guard and some center. On 720 pass block snaps, he has allowed 32 quarterback pressures and only one sack.
Harbaugh wants to establish a brand of toughness, which Allegretti possesses. Allegretti heard his elbow pop late in the second quarter of the Super Bowl, and he kept playing with a torn UCL.
Las Vegas Raiders: OT Jermaine Eluemunor
As of now, Trey Pipkins is the team’s starting right tackle. While Pipkins should keep his job, everything is on the table with a new regime. And if the new coaching staff wants to start fresh, they could look to all avenues.
After being a primary swing tackle early in his career, Eluemunor found a home with the Raiders in 2022 and 2023 as their starting right tackle and was solid. His pressure rates allowed were below 5% in each season. He was also dominant in the run game, posting grades of over 70 in that department.
Eluemunor was drafted by the Ravens in 2017 and played with them for two seasons, so general manager Joe Hortiz is familiar with him.
