The NFL’s tampering period has begun, 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 13.
Los Angeles has quite a few needs to address this offseason. General manager Tom Telesco will be looking to add offensive linemen, defensive tackles, linebackers, and free safety help.
With that, here are five players that the Bolts should be tampering with over the next couple of days.
Ja’Wuan James |OT
Adding a right tackle will be atop of the Chargers list after seeing Sam Tevi’s poor 2018 season.
Offensive tackle Ja’Wuan James will be a hot commodity, but one that would be worth taking hard consideration into. James battled a leg injury that landed him on injured reserve in 2017 before having a solid season last year.
James earned an overall grade of 70.8 from Pro Football Focus in 2018 that ranked him No. 32 among eligible tackles. His specialty has become creating holes in the running game while also keeping his quarterbacks upright, allowing a career-low 26 quarterback pressures last season.
James won’t be cheap, likely to be around $10 million. But the reward would be oh so sweet, as James would immediately provide the franchise with a quality starter at right tackle, which hasn’t been the case in years.
Rodger Saffold | OL
If the Chargers are unable to land James or just show no interest, they could look to bring in another offensive lineman in their backyard with Rodger Saffold.
After his outstanding seasons with the Rams, he may demand a little bit more money. He was previously on a contract for five years worth $30.3 million. For Los Angeles, he could be worth every penny given how horrid the offensive line play has been.
Saffold finished 2018 with a run-blocking grade of 72.8, ranking No. 4 out of 88 qualifying guards. He shined in pass protection, as he allowed only 25 total pressures (17 hurries, five hits, three sacks) on 608 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
Sheldon Richardson | DT
Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson played on a one-year, $8 million deal with the Vikings last season. On a short term contract Richardson proved himself, as he produced 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Richardson, 28, can both stop the run and rush the passer, and the Chargers could use more interior defensive line. Los Angeles has four defensive tackles that are unrestricted free agents.
Considering that he’s still in his younger days and showed his worth in Minnesota, Richardson will likely command at least $8 million per year, which is something the Bolts could still manage.
K.J. Wright | LB
The Chargers re-signed linebacker Denzel Perryman on a two-year deal on Friday. Despite bringing the former Miami product back, Los Angeles is still not satisfied with the group and I fully expect them to be aggressive with addressing the position.
It’s easy to link Wright with the Bolts, as the familiarity with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is there. The 30-year old linebacker player under him for eight years with the Seahawks.
Wright has been a key component for one of the best defenses in the league, against the pass and the run. His age, 30, as well as injuries are slightly concerning, but he would come cheap and would provide veteran leadership skills for the younger players.
Tashaun Gipson | FS
With the release of Jahleel Addae on Saturday, the need for a free safety just got larger. Tashaun Gipson is great option, who fits the mold and will likely be inexpensive.
Like Wright, there is familiarity between Gipson and Gus Bradley, so it’s easy to think it’s a no-brainer in terms of the two parties connecting to show interest.
Unlike Addae, Gipson has excelled at manning the single-high role. With Gipson, L.A. would be getting a true free safety with great range, elite ball skills and plus ability in tackling.
Gipson has been no slouch over the past three seasons. He has started all 48 regular-season games and totaled 159 tackles, six interceptions and 16 passes defensed from the free safety position.
