The biggest game of the year is just days away, as the San Francisco 49ers are set to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV.
While many around the world are gathering around to watch the contest for entertainment purposes, teams across the league are using this as a part of their evaluation process for the offseason.
Each team will have a slew of soon-to-be free agents that could draw their attention. With that, here are four players that the Los Angeles Chargers should have their eyes on:
WR Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs
Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams held the positional group down this past season, but there was hardly any production outside of those two, which means that adding a third wideout is an absolute must this offseason.
Robinson would be the perfect addition because he can stretch the field to open things up. He flourishes as a deep ball and after the catch threat, winning with his straight-line speed and creating slivers of separation with his athleticism and route rhythm to give his quarterback a manageable window.
Overshadowed by Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and rookie Mecole Hardman, Robinson still managed to rack up a career-high 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns during the 2019 regular season.
CB Bashaud Breeland, Chiefs
The Chargers could benefit from adding a talented corner to compliment Casey Hayward. We know that Telesco already hit one out of that park with addressing this position via free agency when he signed Hayward a few years back, and he could do so again with a player like Breeland.
The 6-foot and 191 pound corner amassed 48 total tackles, two interceptions and eight passes defensed in 2019. He did finish the regular season as the 12th worst-graded cornerback in coverage per Pro Football Focus. But he would be a cheap option with his best football ahead of him.
DT Mike Pennel, Chiefs
Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane only has one more year left on his contract, so the Chargers could look to add his eventual replacement. Pennel would be cheap and he would serve as a solid depth option next season, while filling a position of need before taking the reins.
Stopping the run has been an issue for Los Angeles still and it just so happens that the area is Pennel’s forte. The 6-foot-4 and 332 pounder is an immovable presence, forcing double teams to give other members on the defense open lanes to make plays.
Not only that, but when he gets into the backfield, Pennel, who is a surprisingly smooth mover for his size, has a knack for blowing up screens and slowing down ballcarriers.
OL Ben Garland, 49ers
The Chargers need to add more pieces on the offensive line. While some may think it’s just the offensive tackle position that needs a makeover, it’s the interior part as well. Michael Schofield is a free agent. Dan Feeney has been up and down. Forrest Lamp can’t stay healthy, and the status of Mike Pouncey is unknown.
Garland is San Francisco’s starting center, but he has experience at both guard spots, offering some versatility. This season, Garland logged 227 of his 235 snaps at center. He allowed only one sack, four pressures and committed one lone penalty.
