5 Perfect Free-Agent Fits for San Diego Chargers
There are plenty of free agents the San Diego Chargers would happily take in a stacked 2015 class, but five players in particular would be perfect fits in San Diego.
In this article we’ll take a look at those five players who would not only mesh well on paper with the Chargers, but on the field as well. They also must realistically fit within the Chargers’ projected $26.17 million in salary-cap space—sorry, Ndamukong Suh.
Let’s begin on the offensive side of the ball, where Philip Rivers will need another target to throw to with Eddie Royal hitting free agency.
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
1 of 5
The Chargers don’t have much at wide receiver past Keenan Allen and the aging Malcom Floyd—and neither player had more than 900 receiving yards in 2014. It’s a group that relies on depth, so with Royal leaving, it’s only natural to consider bringing in veteran Cecil Shorts to chip in.
Shorts had a promising start to his NFL career, finishing with 979 receiving yards in 2012 despite catching passes from Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne.
Injuries have hindered him since then—he only accumulated 557 receiving yards in 2014 and could never get his hamstring 100 percent healthy.
This could be a nice buy-low acquisition for San Diego. When healthy, Shorts is adept at creating separation and hurting defenses deep. He can play the slot much like Royal has the past couple of years.
Shorts may not become quite the contributor Royal has been, but the 27-year-old is a serviceable receiver with upside until the Chargers find their long-term option in the slot.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints
2 of 5
Ryan Mathews will be a 2015 free agent, and the Chargers need to find a running back to replicate his physical, early-down style. Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver should not be taking carries up the middle.
Mark Ingram would be the ideal Mathews replacement. He ran for 964 yards in 2014, running at a clip of 4.26 yards per carry in 13 games. He is adept at plowing through defenders and punching in scores.
Don’t count on him to do any fancy jukes or catch the ball, however.
Ingram is just 25 years old and has little wear on his body due to playing in the Saints’ committee backfield. The Chargers wouldn’t ask him to do much beyond what his strengths are, as Woodhead and Oliver are good complements to his style.
The league as a whole is wary of free-agent running backs, so the Chargers could get Ingram at a fairly low price. If Donald Brown isn’t cut and/or the Chargers like a particular runner in the draft, however, that would close the door on Ingram going to San Diego.
Despite the low probability, Ingram’s skill set would fit well in the Chargers offense. He’s at least worth a look.
Stefen Wisniewski, C, Oakland Raiders
3 of 5
Stefen Wisniewski isn’t Pro Bowl material, but the Chargers aren’t asking for Pro Bowl material at center.
They’re asking for someone who can stay healthy and play decently for more than three games, especially with Nick Hardwick entering free agency.
Wisniewski would be a welcome addition after San Diego’s disastrous season at the position, starting five centers in 16 games. He allowed one sack (subscription required) in 2014 despite blocking for a rookie quarterback. He also performed well in the running game.
The 25-year-old struggled with penalties—he had seven last year, second-worst among centers—and has trouble against stronger defensive linemen. That will prevent him from getting a top-tier deal.
Luckily for the Chargers, that means Wisniewski can fit under their salary cap. According to The Associated Press' Josh Dubow, Wisniewski doesn’t seem fond of the idea of staying in Oakland, and San Diego isn’t that far away. He’d be a nice long-term option for the Chargers’ mess of an offensive line.
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Chris Culliver, CB, San Francisco 49ers
4 of 5
With Brandon Flowers and Shareece Wright both headed to free agency, the Chargers need to find a starting cornerback to pair with rising star Jason Verrett.
Even if Flowers or Wright comes back, having three good corners is vital for defensive success in today’s pass-happy league. That’s where Culliver comes in.
Culliver had a breakout 2014 season, allowing just a 66.5 passer rating (subscription required) in his coverage, 10th-best among cornerbacks. He tallied four interceptions and was solid in run defense.
Culliver would bring some size and reliability to the Chargers’ secondary. The 26-year-old may command a pretty penny on the open market due to the value of the cornerback position, but his services would be well worth the price.
Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Cleveland Browns
5 of 5
The Chargers aren’t reeling at the outside linebacker position—Melvin Ingram and Jerry Attaochu looked promising in between injuries in 2014.
However, it’s a group that could certainly add another veteran to the mix. Dwight Freeney will hit free agency. Jarret Johnson, a run-stuffing specialist, is contemplating retirement. The best edge-rushing groups are often those with a three-man rotation, and the Chargers may not have that in 2015.
The addition of Jabaal Sheard would fix that. Sheard is best known for his ability in run defense—Pro Football Focus gave him a plus-9.4 rating (subscription required) in that category, second-best among 3-4 outside linebackers.
Sheard’s pass-rushing is a different story. He tallied just two sacks last year, albeit while battling a foot injury in the second half of the season. However, he did accumulate 24 quarterback hurries, 16 more than Johnson had in 2014.
Sheard is just entering his prime at 26 years old. The Chargers could sign him to a multiyear deal that’s easy on the cap, a distinct possibility given the strength of the 3-4 OLB free-agent market. He won’t get the attention he deserves, and San Diego should capitalize on that.
All statistics are via Pro Football Focus (subscription required) unless otherwise noted. Contract and salary-cap information courtesy of Spotrac.
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