Last-Minute Guide to San Diego Chargers' Free Agency

NFL free agency doesn't officially start until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, but that didn't stop teams from hashing out deals under the table during the league's three-day negotiating period.

Among those clubs looking to haggle were the San Diego Chargers. Third-year general manager Tom Telesco has money to spend in 2015, and from the looks of it, he intends to go after some of the big dogs in free agency. 

It was a wild couple of days in the NFL. Here's what you need to know before Tuesday.

Recapping Latest Transactions

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Re-signed OT King Dunlap

The personal bodyguard of Philip Rivers was signed to a four-year, $28 million contract in February, ensuring the protection of San Diego's franchise quarterback till 2018.

Signed WR/KR Jacoby Jones

Telesco's first outside addition is the explosive playmaker formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, who totaled nearly 3,900 yards in kick and punt returns to go with five touchdowns in the past three seasons.

Jones was scarcely used as a pass-catcher in 2014, but if the Chargers don't retain Eddie Royal, he'll likely assume the role of slot receiver. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport noted details about the deal:

"

Jacoby Jones’ new 2-year deal with the #Chargers is worth up to $5.5M, source says.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2015"

Released LB Reggie Walker

Walker's versatility at linebacker was greatly needed in 2013 when injuries affected San Diego's depth, but he missed five games the following season with injuries of his own and became expendable. The move saves the team $1 million in cap space, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego.

Re-signed CB Brandon Flowers

Flowers expressed interest in staying with the Chargers last Thursday during an appearance on NFL Network, and just a few days later, a deal was in place for the cornerback.

Flowers agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract, per NFL Media's Albert Breer. San Diego's secondary ranked fourth against the pass last season with Flowers, and the team expects more from 2014 first-rounder Jason Verrett in year two of his development.

Free-Agency Rumors

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Deal with OL Orlando Franklin "unofficially done"

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego reported that a deal between San Diego and the former Broncos offensive lineman is "unofficially done," according to a close source. Late Sunday night, Mike Klis of The Denver Post tweeted details of the discussed agreement:

"

@OFranklin74 Franklin's deal with @Chargers is for $7.2 million average/year with $14 million guaranteed.

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 9, 2015"

Update

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Monday the deal is for five years, $36.5 million:

"

When it gets done, Orlando Franklin's 5-year deal with Chargers expected to come in close to $36.5 million with $20M guaranteed, per sources

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2015"

Redskins showing interest in S Marcus Gilchrist

Last season's starting safety is reportedly drawing interest from the Redskins, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post. Gilchrist has steadily improved, posting back-to-back seasons of 70-plus tackles and five passes defensed. If he does leave, the Jahleel Addae era will begin in 2015 at strong safety.

Runs made at DL Ndamukong Suh, WR Randall Cobb and OL Mike Iupati

Some of free agency's biggest names were among San Diego's potential targets during the three-day negotiating period, including arguably the top two players available in Suh and Cobb.

Suh is believed to be headed to Miami, while Cobb opted to stay in Green Bay. The Chargers were in earlier discussions for Iupati, but with Franklin coming into play, they may move on. 

Biggest Needs

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Running Back

The Chargers met with the agent for soon-to-be free agent Ryan Mathews during the combine, but it produced no new deal for the running back.

Rumors surfaced that Mathews would be heavily pursued by the San Francisco 49ers if they weren't able to keep Frank Gore, and now that the Philadelphia Eagles have made that scenario come true, the Niners should be more persistent than ever to bring Mathews in as his replacement.

That said, San Diego should be prepared to lose Mathews. Dan Hanzus of NFL.com agrees that running back is a top need for the Bolts and suggests they make a push for league Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray.

Outside Linebacker

Jarret Johnson's retirement paired with Dwight Freeney becoming an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday may force the Chargers to add pass-rushing depth.

Melvin Ingram leads an inexperienced group consisting of second-rounder Jeremiah Attaochu and third-year player Tourek Williams heading into next season. Possible targets include Brian Orakpo, Jason Worilds and Brandon Graham.