The NFL’s tampering period begins on Monday, allowing the Chargers and the rest of the league to start negotiating with free agents. While these negotiations can take place, teams can’t officially sign a player until March 18.
Los Angeles has quite a few needs to address this offseason. General manager Tom Telesco will be looking to add offensive linemen, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle and linebacker help.
With that, here are four key free agents that the Bolts should be tampering with over the next couple of days.
OT Bryan Bulaga
Sam Tevi has yet to produce a season that has suggested he’s worth being a reliable starter and the options behind him are liabilities. Meanwhile, Bulaga is a proven right tackle that would give the line a much-needed boost on that side.
In each of his full seasons since 2014, Bulaga has ranked among the 10 best right tackles in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grade, with three ranking in the top three. Chargers’ new offensive line coach James Campen came over from Green Bay where he coached Bulaga from 2010 to 2017.
Bulaga won’t be cheap, likely to be around $11-12 million. But the move could pay dividends, as the former Iowa product would immediately provide the franchise with a quality starter on the right side, which hasn’t been the case in years.
OT Jack Conklin
If the Chargers want to target the position, but they want to go with someone younger, Conklin (26) will be available for negotiations.
Conklin tackle became an All-Pro as a rookie. He is solid in pass protection, averaging just under four sacks allowed per season (3.75) in his career, per Sports Info Solutions. He is also an outstanding run blocker. This past season, he ranked seventh out of 101 qualifying tackles, per Pro Football Focus.
Spotrac has his estimated value at a six-year, $90 million deal with an average annual salary of $15 million. Even though it seems like a hefty amount of money, tackles don’t grow on trees and Conklin would be worth every penny. He is still young and he has proven to be one of the best tackles in the league.
OT Jason Peters
The left tackle position is arguably one of the toughest positions in the NFL and since the Chargers lost Russell Okung via trade, they could look to acquire a veteran that has proven himself for over the past decade.
Over the past three seasons, Peters has been the model of production. Since 2017, he has an 82.6 grade per Pro Football Focus, which is 12th among offensive tackles, where he has played 2,163 regular season snaps along the way.
Even at 38 years of age, Peters only allowed 21 pressures on 562 pass-blocking attempts last season. He had the fourth-highest grade in pass blocking and 17th-highest grade in run blocking, per PFF.
Durability concerns loom large as he has dealt with numerous injuries in recent seasons. However, he has started 29 of a possible 32 games the past two years, still managing to play at a high level over that span.
Peters would be an intriguing short-term option for the Chargers if they don’t want to throw a rookie into the fire or if they’d like to groom former third-round pick Trey Pipkins for another season.
Spotrac has his estimated value at a one-year, $7.8 million deal, which would be a great deal.
DT Damon Harrison
The Chargers released defensive tackle Brandon Mebane on Friday, which created a hole in the middle of the defensive line. If they want to go the same route like they did to acquire Mebane, Harrison is an enticing replacement option.
Harrison started 15 games for the Lions in 2019, finishing with 49 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed. He had 99 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 25 games with Detroit.
Prior to joining the Lions, Harrison played with the Jets and Giants. His best season came in 2016, finishing with 86 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. For his efforts, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors.
Durability is key and fortunately, Harrison has been one of the most healthy individuals for years. 2019 marked the first time he missed a game since his rookie season back in 2012.
Even though he was scheduled to make $8.5 million in 2020, it’s possible that Harrison will take a pay cut to join a team that’s likely to contend for a playoff spot, which the Chargers are.
