San Diego Chargers' Top Free-Agency Targets at Outside Linebacker

The San Diego Chargers should be in the market for pass-rushers this offseason, specifically at outside linebacker.

Third-year player Melvin Ingram came on strong in 2014, totaling four sacks in nine games, and rookie Jeremiah Attaochu had two in 11 games. While the future looks good, San Diego needs more from the position now.

General manager Tom Telesco had hoped to accomplish that when he brought in former AFC Defensive Player of the Year Dwight Freeney two offseasons ago, but that move has hardly produced the sort of numbers one might expect from a member of the 100-sack club. In 20 games, Freeney has managed just four sacks. The 34-year-old is scheduled to hit the free-agent market in March, assuming he doesn't retire before then.

Also getting up there in age is 12-year pro Jarret Johnson, who is on contract for one more season with San Diego.

The Chargers had the fourth-fewest sacks in 2014 with 26, and Corey Liuget led the team with 4.5 from his defensive end spot. Telesco could go the draft route to satisfy the need for an edge-rusher, but free agency offers some more experienced alternatives.

Here's five free-agent targets at outside linebacker who might fit with the Chargers based on scheme and salary. Don't expect marquee names like Justin Houston and Brian Orakpo, as those deals are bound to be too rich for San Diego's blood.

Brandon Graham

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The Philadelphia Eagles are working to retain the services of their first-round investment from 2010, Brandon Graham. He attended a meeting with GM Howie Roseman a few weeks back, according to Matt Lombardo of NJ.com.

While the Eagles appear determined to work out a deal, there's always a chance the two sides fail to get one done.

In that case, San Diego should pounce on Graham, as he is coming off a season in which he showed promise with 5.5 sacks. When he came out of Michigan, there were doubts Graham could play outside linebacker in the 3-4, but the transition seems to be going smoothly, per Jeff McLane of Philly.com:

"

Once you've been in it, I learned to love it, because at first it was hard. I was just like, "Man, is this really what I want to do?" And now that I've got it and I'm feeling good and stuff's starting to look good for me, I can definitely see myself being here. 

"

Graham may be limited in his skill set, but there's no denying his ability as a pass-rusher.

Derrick Morgan

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Derrick Morgan spent his first four seasons as a 4-3 defensive end with the Tennessee Titans, but the hiring of defensive coordinator Ray Horton in 2014 forced him to adjust to changing conditions. As it turns out, he actually flourished in his new position, tallying 43 tackles and matching his career high of 6.5 sacks.

Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reported last week that the Titans want Morgan back, keeping him with the same team that drafted him in the first round back in 2010. 

Bleacher Report's Rivers McCown looked at Morgan's situation in a piece he wrote earlier this month, examining the pros and cons of re-signing the 26-year-old. For his two cents, McCown doesn't think Tennessee will get a deal done for Morgan, which could open the door for interested suitors.

Dan Skuta

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Dan Skuta started out on special teams with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 before filling out a role on defense for Vic Fangio. Opportunity came knocking when Aldon Smith was suspended nine games before the 2014 season, allowing Skuta to start 14 games.

He made good use of the exposure, racking up five sacks and a team-high three forced fumbles. According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, Skuta could be in line for a pay raise from the 49ers, but if he's not, the 28-year-old would prefer a club willing to make him a full-time starter on defense.

Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano frequently rotates his personnel, so playing time wouldn't be an issue for Skuta in San Diego. The price tag for his services wouldn't be a problem, either—Skuta made a base salary of $1.3 million last season, per Over the Cap.

Pernell McPhee

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Pernell McPhee made it especially hard for the Baltimore Ravens to keep him around after posting a career-high 7.5 sacks this past season, but finding money to grant him that big payday will be difficult for a club scheduled to have just over $4 million in cap space in 2015.

The 26-year-old has openly expressed his desire to stay in Baltimore, but the Ravens have been in this position before with an up-and-coming pass-rusher. Paul Kruger had a nine-sack season his last year in Baltimore before taking Cleveland up on a $40 million deal in 2013.

McPhee will be looking to upgrade from a base salary of $645,000 a year ago.

Jason Worilds

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The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't want to lose Jason Worilds during the 2013 offseason, so they placed the franchise tag on him, hoping to work out a long-term deal in the near future. The two sides haven't been able to reach an agreement, but Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that Worilds is one of the Steelers' big offseason questions.

Worilds finished second on the team with 7.5 sacks, just shy of the eight he posted in 2013. Playing in Dick LeBeau's defense, he was asked to rush the passer more than 70 percent of the time, according to Pro Football Focus, via Dulac. 

What might stand in the way of Worilds becoming a Charger, though, is money. He was the fourth-highest-paid 3-4 linebacker in 2014, per Over the Cap. San Diego has the funds, but paying Worilds what he's worth might hinder plans to re-sign in-house free agents such as King Dunlap and Brandon Flowers.