Offseason Primer: San Diego Chargers

Though the Chargers might not be located in San Diego for much longer, no matter where the team plays next season, the roster is likely to look very different. With head coach Mike McCoy retained, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich relieved of his duties, the Chargers will have some holes to fill on both their coaching staff and their roster. Armed with at least $34.5 million in cap space this offseason, the Bolts will be poised to make a splash if they feel the need to do so. There’s no doubt, after finishing 4–12, the roster needs improvement. Which is why, especially if the franchise makes a move (as has been widely rumored) to Los Angeles, the team could make a huge splash in free agency, especially given their relatively high salary cap space. Team owners have until the Monday after the end of the season to file for relocation, which is what many expect Dean Spanos to do. Spanos will need a ⅔ vote from the remaining board of governors, in order to secure his franchise the right to move from San Diego. While some doubt that will happen, many believe a compromise can be made and that the Chargers could certainly be one of the teams headquartered in Los Angeles this upcoming season. Meanwhile, the front office, led by general manager Tom Telesco, will still have to improve this football team going into next year, if he wants to stick around. Here’s a look at what might transpire with the Chargers over the next few months.

To Live and Die in L.A.? The Chargers have played their home games in San Diego since 1961. Many around the league, especially the fans of teams who’ve lost their franchise, can’t help but feel for the fans of San Diego. Unfortunately for them, this is a move that has seemed imminent for quite some time. Though it hasn’t happened yet, its potential is still going to surround the Chargers plans going into this offseason. One could even go as far as to say it will dictate what they do in free agency in 2016. If the move does indeed happen and the Chargers will be moving into a new stadium next season, in Los Angeles, there’s no doubt that the team would automatically become a free agent attraction. It’s likely the team would want to build around their current star Philip Rivers, but would also be interested in adding another, possibly a dynamic wide-receiver like Alshon Jeffery, or a pass-rushing outside-linebacker like Von Miller. With Antonio Gates likely headed elsewhere, the team is devoid of any extraordinary playmakers, outside of Keenan Allen.

Not only did that plague the team in 2015, as Danny Woodhead was their leader in receiving yardage, but if the receiving corps does not improve, Philip Rivers could be forced to over-exert himself again next season. The playmakers, however, aren’t the only area of concern for McCoy and his staff. An offensive line which was supposed to be improved going into the season, especially after the team signed Orlando Franklin and Joe Barksdale, struggled to protect Rivers, as he finished 8th among all quarterbacks in sacks taken this season. Four of San Diego’s five starting offensive linemen missed at least three games. Depth in that area will assuredly need to be addressed and keeping Rivers upright will be atop the list of the team as we head toward 2016.

Foundational Draft? The Chargers will be awarded the 3rd overall pick in the 2016 draft. That is the highest draft pick the franchise has had since they selected Eli Manning 1st overall in 2004 (later traded for Philip Rivers). For a team in a situation like the [insert city here] Chargers, it would suit them best to select the best player available, regardless of position. There’s talent on this roster, but it’s aging and it’s sparse in multiple areas. It’s most probable that they will address an area of the defense or the o-line with this selection. With 8 picks in 2016, there will be numerous opportunities to trade back and acquire more picks to establish greater depth within the roster. It is a priviledge in the NFL to have an established quarterback, under contract, while sustaining team cap flexibility, which is exactly what the Chargers have. Add to that the abundance of draft picks, and the future of the team looks bright. Philip Rivers, the team’s best player, likely has two to three more years of prime football ability left in him, and it would be no surprise if the Chargers were back to playoff contention within that time.

Possible Free Agent Targets? With Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates, and Eric Weddle all set to depart this offseason, the team will need to find at least league average replacements. On the offensive side of the ball, there are few players available who would significantly improve the team, yet there are average players to be had, such as James Jones, Marvin Jones, and Mohamed Sanu, who would at least be an upgrade from the current climate of wide-receivers. Defensively is where the team could elect to spend their money. With superstars like Von Miller, Eric Berry, Leon Hall and Tamba Hali on the market, at positions of need, they could be getting calls from Tom Telesco come March. John Pagano is expected to be retained and his 3–4 defense could use some pass rushing help, which players like Von Miller and Tamba Hali could provide, but obviously at a premium price tag. After a year of injuries and up and down play from Brandon Flowers, the cornerback position is now undoubtedly shepherded by Jason Verrett. Bringing in a skilled veteran like Leon Hall or Eric Berry to insert into the secondary, especially given the void which will be left by Eric Weddle’s absence, could be huge for the younger players on that defense. Berry will almost certainly sign one of the largest contracts of any player this offseason, and most insiders around the league don’t expect Berry to leave Kansas City unless he’s given an offer he can’t refuse. One would have to imagine that the Chargers would love nothing more than to steal him from a division rival. All of that said, with so many questions surrounding the team in early January about a possible relocation, one undeniable truth is that the franchise has positioned itself to get back to contention quickly and it is possible that process starts in 2016