While it is still early in year, the Chargers have made some free agent moves, with several needs likely to be addressed in the upcoming draft. Let us look at the team’s current state by position.

QB: It appears that the Chargers hit a home run with last year’s draft pick of QB Justin Herbert. As you likely know, Herbert performed amazingly well, given his rookie status. The Chargers have also signed 34-year-old journeyman QB Chase Daniel as a possible backup. Daniel is not expected to play a significant role with the team. QB Tyrod Taylor has left the team and was signed by Houston.

RB: The starting running back will remain RB Austin Ekeler. His back-ups, Justin Jackson and RB Joshua Kelley have shown flashes, but neither has impressed on a consistent basis. RB Kevin Ballage is a free agent who may or may not remain with the team. I would personally like to see the team add depth via the draft.

WR: Starting WR Keenan Allen remains as the Bolts top receiver and WR Mike Williams also returns as the deep threat. Look for the Chargers to add some youth and speed at wideout in the 2021 NFL draft.

TE: Sadly, the team has lost TE Hunter Henry to free agency. While I was a fan of Henry, the team has signed TE Jared Cook. I think that the team of Cook and TE Donald Parham, Jr. should be able to fill in most or all the production lost when Henry departed for the Patriots. Do not be surprised if Parham plays a greater role than you might suppose. He is a hybrid wideout with size and a lot of speed.

PK: I was shocked that the Chargers have resigned PK Michael Badgley. Badgley only converted 73% of his 2020 attempts, which I believe was the worst in the NFL. He was only 2-6 on attempts of 50 yards or greater. In my mind, this one is a head-scratcher.

DEF: Expect a lot of turnover in the Chargers defense. DE Melvin Ingram is a free agent who may or may not be back. I am guessing not, but we shall see. The Chargers have signed pass-rushing specialist LB Kyler Fackrell to pick up some pressure that may be lost if Ingram departs. Again, I believe the team wants to get faster and younger and will address a number of needs in the upcoming draft.

 

More to come about the NFL Draft next month!

 

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