The Chargers have nailed the past couple offseasons, and their production has shown as they have progressively gotten better. Whether it was landing safety Derwin James or bringing in center Mike Pouncey, they have shown that they’re no longer a fluke. Eager to help bolster their roster once again, general manager Tom Telesco holds all the keys to do so.
There are a few things that could go wrong, causing the team to stall as they enter the 2019 season. With that, here’s a look at some things that they should not do this offseason.
Chargers do not need to draft Philip Rivers’ successor
There hasn’t been much talk in regards to the Chargers potentially drafting quarterback Philip Rivers’ in April’s draft. Whether that’s because Rivers is coming off a great 2018, or the quarterback class being very slim. Regardless, it should remain that way.
For Los Angeles, they have pressing needs, which include offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and could have more depending on who they decide to not re-sign or cut. They can’t afford to waste any of their selections early on a player that may not even see the field in his professional career. Depending on how the draft shakes out Days 1 and 2, then they could potentially afford a Day 3 flyer.
Of course Rivers is aging, and has a dead-cap hit to his contract of $7 million this upcoming season and will be a free agent in 2020, or if he chooses to retire. But ending a year finishing top-10 in the league for nearly every passing category, and most likely getting extended this offseason is a great way to signify that it’s not urgent to bring in someone, especially this year.
Instead, L.A. should wait it out another season and seek out Rivers’ successor in the 2020 NFL draft. The class will feature more enticing options, including Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon’s Justin Herbert, and Georgia’s Jacob Fromm.
Chargers do not need to bring back injury prone players
Two well-known defensive players — linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Jason Verrett are set to become unrestricted free agents next months. Verrett has played in just five games over the past three seasons since his sensational rookie season. Meanwhile, Perryman has missed a total of 22 games in the past four seasons with lower body injuries.
The former TCU product has many believing that he will able to return to his normal self when he made the Pro Bowl in 2015. The injuries are very concerning, and he has had a shot to prove himself every year, but it’s hard to believe he will stay healthy. Plus, Verrett will be likely seeking a decent amount of change since he’s still young at 27 years old, which is something the Chargers can’t afford to match.
The fourth-year linebacker hasn’t completed a season where he’s played more than 10 games during the past two seasons. Despite offering leadership and a reliable run defender, he doesn’t bring that much else given his lack of ability in coverage. It’ll be difficult to count on him to stay on the field late in upcoming seasons when the team is pushing for a playoff run.
Chargers do not need to extend Melvin Gordon
Gordon is under contract through the 2019 season after the Chargers picked up his fifth-year option. After having a poor rookie season in 2015, Gordon has been one of the more productive running backs in recent years.
Gordon posted his best season yet in 2018, and now all eyes are on a contract extension. But first, Gordon wants to see how RB Le’Veon Bell’s paycheck pans out when he signs with a franchise this offseason. Assuming Bell gets big bucks, there’s a few reasons why Los Angeles shouldn’t be lured in to giving him a large check.
His production has increased yearly, but his inability to make it through an entire 16-game schedule healthy is concerning. He has missed at least two games in three of his first four seasons, all due to various lower body injuries, including the knee. On paper, Gordon’s statistics are enticing, but the majority of his touchdowns have come near the goal line.
There’s no denying Gordon’s dominance, but if he wants a contract similar to Devonta Freeman, L.A. may be better off rolling with their two proven running backs Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, and potentially looking into next year’s draft for a replacement.
