The Chargers entered this offseason with 14 unrestricted free agents, and they have managed to re-sign three of them through the first wave. One, that many thought was a lock to be brought back who has not is defensive tackle Darius Philon.
Philon, 25, was the most consistent player on the interior part of the defensive line. After being overshadowed by Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget, Philon emerged as a star up front the past two years.
The former Arkansas product started 13 out of 16 games during the regular season, amassing 33 tackles, and leading the team with four sacks and nine quarterback hits in 2018. Philon was a force at rushing the passer and stopping the run.
He has gained interest from several teams with the Patriots being the most notable as of late, which comes as no surprise after his successful campaign and knowing he’s young at age 25, and is only trending upwards.
Los Angeles has locked up safeties Adrian Phillips and Jaylen Watkins, linebacker Denzel Perryman and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.
The cost of bringing back Philon shouldn’t come as much either, as I expect his market value to be two or three years for $4-5 million per year.
If the team elects to let him go to another team, it just goes to show that they just undervalue his contributions, thinking of bringing back Corey Liuget, or they might see something in this draft class worth considering early on to replace him.
