The Chargers laid low compared to some of the other teams throughout the first initial wave of 2019 NFL Free Agency. But they did make some moves within all the madness that occurred.
Below, we grade all the signings and re-signing that Los Angeles has made.
Chargers re-sign Denzel Perryman to two-year deal
Perryman has proven to be a valuable piece on the defense, as well as a leader among the team since being selected in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft. The striking run defender’s career has been hampered with various lower body injuries, keeping him off the field.
A huge decision to make, the Chargers ultimately decided to bring Perryman back on a two-year extension worth $12 million. Given the cost, his deal serves as a financial security and allows him to show the ability to stay healthy.
If Perryman plays a full 16-game slate, Los Angeles received him on a great deal. If he doesn’t prove to, then the team really didn’t lose much since they didn’t spend that much on him.
Grade: B+
Chargers sign Thomas Davis to two-year deal
General manager Tom Telesco elected to continue to add more pieces to the linebacker room. The move to acquire Davis came out of left field, as no one would’ve expected this to be a pairing.
Davis, 35, has been playing in the NFL for 14 years, but he continues to perform at a high level. The move was made to not find the solution at the position, but to add value and a leader to their defense for the next year or so to help the young pieces like Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown.
Davis was signed to a two-year deal worth $10.5 million. In return, they receive a three-time Pro Bowler with some juice remaining.
Grade: B
Chargers sign Tyrod Taylor to two-year deal
The Chargers have lacked stability in the quarterback room behind Philip Rivers for quite sometime.
The team managed to haul in a proven signal caller with Taylor on a two-year deal worth $11 million, reuniting him with his former offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn when the two were in Buffalo.
Taylor has regressed since then with the Bills, but he’s still a better passer than anyone else that Los Angeles has had who can also do damage with his legs.
Just in case Rivers was unable to stay healthy, Taylor is reliable enough to step in the starting role for the time being with the Bolts.
Grade: B
Chargers re-sign Brandon Mebane to two-year deal
Bringing back Mebane was questionable to some, given his age and production on the field. But Telesco opted to go with having a veteran that offers leadership and mentorship for the younger players.
When looking at the numbers, Los Angeles gave him a contract for two years worth $9.3 million. It may not seem like much, but it’s essentially a raise from his previous three-year, $13 million contract.
Mebane will likely start in the 2019 season, but his play within the past few seasons wasn’t promising to warrant the money he received.
Grade: C+
Chargers re-sign Adrian Phillips to one-year deal
Entering free agency, Phillips was the main focal point to bring back for the 2019 season. The Chargers re-signed him to a one-year deal on Friday.
Following a breakout season in which he emerged as a versatile weapon on defense and an All-Pro on specials teams, it was a no-brainer to have back.
Despite it only being a one-year deal, Phillips will be able to prove his worth once again, showing that he’s capable of a long-term extension.
