Chargers Rumors: Russell Okung Reportedly Will Get 'Strong Interest' from LA

With the Los Angeles Chargers needing to bolster their offensive line, free-agent tackle Russell Okung has reportedly found himself on their radar. 

Per Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, Okung will "get strong interest" from the Chargers.

After spending the first six years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Okung spent 2016 with the Denver Broncos. His contract option was declined by the team in February, leaving him searching for a new team this offseason.

The 29-year-old Okung had an average 2016 with the Broncos. He was ranked 37th out of 80 offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus (via Jon Heath of The Broncos Wire).

The Chargers desperately need to find help in protection for quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus graded their offensive line as the NFL's second-worst group last season:

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This line couldn’t pass protect, surrendering 238 total QB pressures for the second-lowest pass-blocking efficiency mark in the league, and its run blocking was no better. Of 1,510 rushing yards as a team, 906 of them came after contact, with the line generating an average of just 1.5 yards before contact per carry.

"

With Rivers at 35 years old, his body isn't going to be strong enough to absorb that much punishment and play at a high-enough level to bring the Chargers back to relevance in the AFC West. 

Okung wouldn't solve all of Los Angeles' issues in protection, but he would give the team a proven starter and more stability at left tackle.