5 free agents from ESPN’s top 50 list that Chargers should consider signing
We still have a couple of months until the new league year begins, but everyone is already gearing up for what will be a enticing offseason for the Chargers, as they set on the new era with coach Brandon Staley.
There are a number of players from other teams that look like good bait to sign during the free agency period that would be able to help Los Angeles take a step to get back to their winning ways.
With that being said, using ESPN’s top 50 free agent list, here’s a look at five players that L.A. should consider signing, starting with tight end Hunter Henry, who checked in at No. 5.
With quarterback Justin Herbert distributing the wealth, Henry was a top target, catching 60 passes (career high), marking the eighth-most among the league’s tight ends. He also added four touchdowns.
Even though he has been hindered by a couple knee injuries throughout his career, he proved to stay healthy in 2020. Henry is a difference-maker in the passing game and he is arguably one of the better blockers on the team.
Staying on the offensive side of the ball, L.A. needs instant help along the line. With Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney set to hit the free agency market, the team could benefit from getting interior help.
Listed as No. 20 on the list, Patriots guard Joe Thuney would supply the unit with a proven and reliable guard. Thuney played every snap in all but two games this season, allowing just three sacks in the past three years. The 28-year old would immediately increase the talent on the line.
Efficient cornerback play is vital in Staley’s defense. Already a positional group that needs to be upgraded, one of the better corners in this year’s free agency crop could help with that.
Checking in at No. 28, Seahawks’ Shaquill Griffin would be a great addition. This past season, Griffin posted a career-high three interceptions. The year before that, he tallied 13 passes defensed to go along with 65 tackles en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.
Typically when a coordinator gets a head coaching gig, there’s a good chance that some of their former players will follow them. In this case, safety John Johnson (No. 32) and outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (No. 35) could be those that follow Staley to the Chargers.
Posting 105 tackles and limiting pass-catchers to only 4.9 yards per target, Johnson is proven in pass coverage and run defense, capable of playing both safety positions, cornerback and linebacker. Staley may want Johnson for the impact he makes on defense and his leadership skills.
With Melvin Ingram slated to be a free agent, the Chargers need another pass-rush presence alongside Joey Bosa. Floyd, who is coming off his best year as a pro after totaling career-highs in sacks (12.5), tackles (55) and quarterback hits (19), would be a huge boost up front.
