The Chargers’ linebackers were hit hard by injuries, as they lost Kyzir White, Denzel Perryman and Jatavis Brown throughout the course of the season. The durability is concerning along with Perryman expected to hit the market. General manager Tom Telesco made the point that they will address the position heavily this offseason.
As such, here is a look at four linebackers for Los Angeles to consider during the 2019 NFL free agency period which will see players allowed to officially sign with teams March 14.
C.J. Mosley | Ravens
Entering free agency, Mosley will be a hot commodity, as he is one of the more well-known players among the NFL.
The Chargers have lacked consistency with their linebackers. Whether it’s struggling to remain on the field or lack of production, they haven’t found a perfect median. This is something that Mosley would bring to the team along with talent and a leader. Showing to stay healthy in his five-year stint, he has only missed three games and has started everyone he has played in.
During Mosley’s five seasons in Baltimore, he has shown to be be nothing but a consistent force for one of the league’s top defenses in 2018. He amassed 597 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 43 tackles for a loss, nine interception, six forced fumbles, 35 passes defensed, and 32 quarterback hits.
The former Alabama product won’t come cheap if the Ravens do elect to move on from, but if he does, Los Angeles needs to do what it takes to land the stud linebacker.
Jordan Hicks | Eagles
Like Perryman, Hicks has struggled with health throughout his career. He’s played just one full 16-game season, which came in 2016. But he is a hell of a player when he’s available.
In just 12 games in 2018, Hicks racked up 91 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. He gave up just one touchdown and has consistently proven himself to be reliable in coverage, which as an area that Perryman lacked in.
The former third-round selection missed four games this past season due to a calf injury. If it were more severe, then it’s something to be a bit more concerned about. But the 26-year old LB may have some juice left in the tank, making him a potential low-cost option.
K.J. Wright | Seahawks
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2019. Wright played in just five games this past season due to a season-ending knee injury, but his track record in the league speaks for itself.
Wright has been a force against the run. His ability in coverage has been average, tallying two career interceptions. But the Chargers need players that are going to be able to stop the run more so than none, as they have lacked in this area for multiple years.
Another element Wright brings is a significant veteran presence and experience, playing for one of the better defenses within the past decade. Wright also has a championship under his belt when Seattle beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Brandon Marshall | Broncos
The Broncos recently decided not to pick up Marshall’s 2019 contract option of $6.5 million and the Chargers will be able to get him much cheaper now on the open market.
Marshall is still a high-quality player with experience at both inside and outside linebacker. Marshall has racked up three separate 100-tackle seasons with Denver, including the 2017 season where he finished with 106 tackles and 3.0 sacks.
There is some connection with Chargers’ linebacker coach Richard Smith and Marshall, as Smith served as his LB coach while he was with Denver from 2011-14.
Marshall has 423 tackles, 6.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in seven NFL seasons.
