As of June 13th, the Los Angeles Chargers have had a unique and eventful offseason in comparison to years past. There were plenty of salary cap gymnastics that had to take place in order to sign anyone, as they were around $20 million over the cap at the end of last season.
The biggest move of March for the Chargers is how they moved money around to being under the cap. The two star receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams freed the Chargers over $14 million to use this offseason with the money they are owed moved to next season.
They also restructured the contracts of star pass rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The two receivers and Mack and Bosa’s contract restructures freed up $40 million, giving them room to work in free agency and re-signing.
Again because of the limited cap situation, general manager Tom Telesco knew he had to let many players test free agency. Most notably, they had to let go of young breakout linebacker Drue Tranquil, and veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Tranquil was a major loss as he led the team tackles with 146, which was 31 more than the next most, Derwin James.
Next, they re-signed tight end Donald Parham and tackle Trey Pipkins. Both add important depth, as they both are good enough to be a low-end starter.
A shocking move happened when at the age of 25, safety Nasir Adderley hung up the cleats, retiring from the NFL. This added another hole to fill later in the offseason with an already thin safety room.
Former Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks was the only new Chargers free agent signing. He earned a 2-year, $13.25 million contract as he brings veteran leadership with the talent to play pass coverage and tackle in the run game.
Lastly, they re-signed interior defensive lineman Morgan Fox. He provided a great pass rush from the inside, recording 6.5 sacks. The Chargers are not accustomed to having a consistent pass rusher from the middle as opposing teams can always double Joey Bosa and leave the interior one on one without any fear, until Fox joined the squad in 2022.
The most notable signing before the draft in April is when wide receiver Jalen Guyton signed a 1-year deal right before the start of voluntary offseason practice. This was significant as Guyon gave another speed option to the least depth position to the bolts at the time.
(More in-detail analysis of the top picks of the Chargers linked above)
There is a good chance that all seven picks make the final roster, as all the picks were made to fill the roster out that they couldn’t because of the cap situation. Johnston should start day one, being the first round talent at a thin position for the Chargers.
Even 7th round pick Max Duggan could make the roster even if he goes back and forth from the practice squad as the only other backup quarterback is former 6th round pick, Easton Stick.
All but one of the draft picks have signed their rookie deals, but it will likely be seven out of seven signed soon.
Sensational running back Austin Ekeler received around an additional $2 million in incentives for this upcoming season. This was very significant as Ekeler was requesting a trade, but this move made him stay satisfied for now keeping the touchdown machine in Los Angeles for one more year.
In summary, this was a unique offseason for the Chargers as they rarely go all out in a season, having to back load contracts to the next season. Telesco will have to do even more salary cap gymnastics for next season than this offseason. However, if J.C. Jackson can play like he did not too long ago on the Patriots and be healthy, this could be the most dangerous Chargers team in its history.
Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of NFL.com
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