Sign or Pass on San Diego Chargers' Remaining Free Agents

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As the March 12 deadline for free agency approaches, the San Diego Chargers will be narrowing down the list of players they'd like to re-sign or let walk in 2013.

Clearing cap space is rumored to be a work in progress for the Chargers and that can only mean GM Tom Telesco intends to sign the cream of the crop of his free agents.

Twenty-five players are scheduled to enter free agency for the Chargers. Here is a breakdown of who the Bolts should sign or pass on in mid-March.

Seyi Ajirotutu

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

3 REC

45 YDS

 

Analysis

Ajirotutu was signed in late October after Richard Goodman was placed on IR. Unfortunately for Ajirotutu, his season was also cut short when he suffered a season-ending hand injury.

The 25-year-old receiver enjoyed some success with San Diego as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2010, but his last two stints with the Carolina Panthers and Chargers have been all too forgettable.

 

Verdict: Pass

Danario Alexander

USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

37 REC

658 YDS

7 TD

 

Analysis

Alexander, who was signed off the street in mid-October, ended up becoming one of Philip Rivers' leading targets in 2012. He finished the season with a whopping 37 catches for 658 yards in just 10 games.

As a restricted free agent, Alexander has an opportunity to get a pay raise from another team, but as San Diego's leader in TD catches last season, the Chargers should make it a priority to retain him.

 

Verdict: Sign

Antwan Barnes

Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESS

2012 Stats

9 TAK

3 SCK

1 FF

2 FR

 

Analysis

Barnes was the team's sack leader in 2011, but a hamstring injury in 2012 placed him on IR in early December. Still, Barnes made his presence felt in the turnover game.

At 28, Barnes is still a young player with starter potential and a capable replacement at OLB if Shaun Phillips parts ways with the Chargers this March.

 

Verdict: Sign

Jackie Battle

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

311 YDS (rushing)

3 TD

108 YDS (receiving)

1 TD

 

Analysis

Battle found the end zone more than any other Chargers back and finished second in rushing next to Ryan Mathews. He and Ronnie Brown were not the answer to San Diego's rushing woes after the loss of Mathews.

GM Tom Telesco believes in a two-back system, but Battle may not be the top choice for a No. 2.

 

Verdict: Pass

Curtis Brinkley

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

115 YDS (rushing)

77 YDS (receiving)

 

Analysis

Brinkley had an on-again, off-again relationship with Chargers after being waived and re-signed during the 2012 season. Ryan Mathews' injury allowed Brinkley to get the most carries of his three-year career, despite playing behind Jackie Battle and Ronnie Brown at times.

Seeing as how Brinkley became expendable when Mathews was healthy, the same fate may be awaiting him in 2013.

 

Verdict: Pass

Ronnie Brown

Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

220 YDS (rushing)

49 REC

371 YDS (receiving)

 

Analysis

Brown's career has been on the decline since leaving Miami in 2010, and this season was not all that different for the 31-year-old. If there was one positive to pull from his first run in San Diego, it was probably how well he fared as a receiver out of the backfield.

Brown's career-high 49 receptions were the second most on the team. Given his age and the way he performed in 2012, his services may no longer be required in the NFL.

 

Verdict: Pass

Chris Carr

Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

5 RET (kick)

102 YDS

4 TAK

 

Analysis

Carr was signed at the beginning of October mainly to aid in return duties for the Chargers when Richard Goodman was lost for the season. U-T San Diego's Annie Heilbrunn tweeted Carr may be calling it quits after eight seasons in the league if the Chargers don't plan to re-sign him.

Chris Carr told me he's contemplating retirement. Said if Chargers don't want him back, he'll go to law school. Wants to be a Senator.

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) December 31, 2012

 

Verdict: Pass

Antoine Cason

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

73 TAK

11 PDEF

2 INT 

2 FF

 

Analysis

Cason is believed to be one of San Diego's top targets to re-sign along with OG Louis Vasquez. However, U-T San Diego columnist Kevin Acee feels Cason could command about $5 million on the open market.

Until room is made in cap space, Cason's future in San Diego is a tossup. The offensive line is a bigger need heading into 2013, so Vasquez will draw more attention.

 

Verdict: Pass

Brandyn Dombrowski

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

DNP in 2012

Analysis

Dombrowski shifted from list to list in 2012. If he wasn't on the non-football injury list then he was on the PUP list. The 27-year-old never took the field last season as he dealt with a cyst in his foot.

While Dombrowski is still fairly young and a possible need at this point considering his versatility on the offensive line, his injury makes a return a bit unlikely. 

 

Verdict: Pass

Aubrayo Franklin

USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

20 TAK

 

Analysis

Franklin was yet another victim of San Diego's IR list last season. The 32-year-old suffered a knee injury that ended his season in late December.

Franklin is a long shot to return to the team as the Chargers attempt to free up more cap space. At the moment, another nose tackle's contract could be expiring with word that Antonio Garay may be released.

Sounds like the #Chargers are heading toward releasing veteran DT Antonio Garay, per source. Due $3.5M in 2013. DE for a 3-4 team

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2013

If San Diego is already trying to make room by doing away with one of its better defenders, it wouldn't make sense to bring back Franklin, who had a less-than-average showing in 2012.

 

Verdict: Pass

Richard Goodman

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

18 RET (kick)

497 YDS

 

Analysis

Goodman was placed on IR with a hamstring injury in late October. A restricted free agent and San Diego's lead kick returner last year, Goodman is reportedly expected to sign a one-year tender along with Danario Alexander according to U-T San Diego columnist Michael Gehlken.

 

Verdict: Sign

Tyronne Green

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Started 13 games in 2012

Analysis

Green had his chance to permanently fill a need at LG for the Chargers, but three missed games and inconsistency has his future up in the air at this point. If San Diego re-signs Louis Vasquez as expected, Green should be the odd man out. 

 

Verdict: Pass

Gary Guyton

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Started one game in 2012

Analysis

Guyton bounced around the league at the beginning of 2012 before settling down with the Chargers in December. The 27-year-old linebacker started just one game for the Bolts last season when Donald Butler and Demorrio Williams battled injury.

Guyton was used sparingly in 2012, possibly translating into a pass for another one-year deal.

 

Verdict: Pass

Rex Hadnot

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Started three games in 2012

Analysis

Hadnot was expected to challenge Tyronne Green for the starting spot at LG, but he only played in three games when Green dealt with illness and a hamstring injury. The former Arizona Cardinal started 16 games in 2011, but his experience went to waste with the Chargers. 

Hadnot has a slight chance of getting another one-year deal because of his experience, but little cap space means he'll have to work with the Chargers on a price. Tom Telesco has stated, however, that he prefers to build a team through the draft with homegrown players.

 

Verdict: Pass

Quentin Jammer

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

64 TAK

9 PDEF

3 INT

1 TD

1 FF

3 FR

 

Analysis

With word that San Diego is targeting Antoine Cason as one of its free agents to re-sign, Jammer will likely miss out on a return to the Chargers next year. At least he went out with a bang. Jammer had one of his best years statistically.

The 33-year-old will find another suitor in 2013 if San Diego is unable to clear space for his return.

 

Verdict: Pass

Corey Lynch

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

46 TAK

7 PDEF

2 INT

1 FR

 

Analysis

Lynch primarily made his presence felt on special teams last season, but he did start four games for the Chargers in the secondary. There's been no word on Lynch returning with the Chargers, but if he does, he'll likely fill the same role.

I like Lynch as a special teamer, but it's up to Tom Telesco to decide if there's room for the 27-year-old on the roster.

 

Verdict: Sign

Vaughn Martin

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

19 TAK

1 SCK

1 FF

 

Analysis

Martin didn't come close to his 2011 numbers last season. A product of A.J. Smith's draft in 2009, Martin started 12 games in 2012 before going on IR with a groin injury.

The starting DE isn't rumored to be back with the Chargers next season, but he brings a lot to the team when healthy. The 26-year-old recorded 47 tackles in 2011. 

Martin's only hope of being a Charger in 2013 rests in the team's ability to clear cap space. He's a must sign if there's room available.

 

Verdict: Sign

Nick Novak

USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

18 of 20 FGs made

 

Analysis

Unless the Chargers plan to draft a kicker or find one in free agency, Nick Novak is a done deal in San Diego. Novak took over responsibilities for Nate Kaeding when he was released last season.

 

Verdict: Sign

Shaun Phillips

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

50 TAK

9.5 SCK

1 SFTY

2 FF 

3 FR

 

Analysis

It would be a tough sight to watch Phillips leave after a nine-year career in San Diego, but sources say that's exactly what will happen in 2013. According to Kevin Acee, Phillips will be wearing different colors next season.

Salary and cap space are believed to be the reasons why the veteran linebacker won't be returning to the Chargers.

 

Verdict: Pass

Dante Rosario

USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

10 REC

95 YDS

3 TD

 

Analysis

Rosario contributed on special teams and on offense when Antonio Gates missed time with injury. His three-TD performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 was quite the spectacle for Chargers fans.

Michael Gehlken believes the Chargers could ask TE Randy McMichael to take a pay cut or be released in the offseason. If he does end up being released, Rosario could be the lucky one that stays. Depending on what happens with McMichael, Rosario is either a Charger or free agent in 2013.

 

Verdict: Sign

Micheal Spurlock

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

9 REC 

79 YDS

10 RET

257 YDS

1 TD

 

Analysis

Spurlock spent time with the Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars last season. He was primarily a return specialist for both teams and found the end zone once.

The return job will likely belong to Richard Goodman next season, forcing the Chargers to pass on Spurlock.

 

Verdict: Pass

Louis Vasquez

Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Started 16 games in 2012

Analysis

Vasquez has to be at the top of San Diego's list in terms of free agents, but the fourth-year OG is gaining interest outside San Diego as well. U-T San Diego is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts are interested in signing Vasquez, making it even more difficult for the Chargers to keep him.

With a little more than $8 million in cap space, the Chargers will be more than willing to give Vasquez a good chunk of what they have left. 

 

Verdict: Sign

Reggie Wells

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Didn't Start in 2012

Analysis

Wells was signed to the Chargers in December after spending time with the Buffalo Bills the month prior. He was brought to San Diego to compensate for the injuries dealt to the offensive line, but it's doubtful he'll re-sign with the team on a long-term basis.

 

Verdict: Pass

Demorrio Williams

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2012 Stats

51 TAK

2 INT

2 TD

 

Analysis

Williams was a favorable alternate when Donald Butler suffered a groin injury late in the season. He and veteran Takeo Spikes had no trouble filling up the middle of the linebacking corps.

It's being reported that Spikes may be asked to take a pay cut in 2013, according to U-T San Diego, and if Spikes isn't up for that, Williams could come on in relief because of his veteran status.

 

Verdict: Sign

Mike Windt

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Played 10 games in 2012

Analysis

Windt was lost for the season in November with a fractured wrist. If he can come back healthy in 2013 he should get his job back as the team's long-snapper.

 

Verdict: Sign