Ranking San Diego Chargers' Best Remaining Free-Agency Options

The first week of free agency in the NFL was plenty exciting. But with most of the big names off the market, who else is out there for the San Diego Chargers?

The Bolts met needs at cornerback, kick returner and interior offensive line during the frenzy. But as you may have heard, veteran receiver Eddie Royal is no longer a Charger. Instead, Royal opted to reunite with former teammate Jay Cutler in Chicago. The loss is a big one for San Diego as Royal accounted for 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Thankfully, there are still some quality free-agent receivers available to the Chargers. Rumors of a former Pro Bowl defender joining the squad have also surfaced, but you'll need to read on to find out who it is.

The following four players have been linked to San Diego in some regard and are ranked by their value to the team.

4. DE Greg Hardy

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, at least six teams reportedly have shown interest in former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy.

The Chargers have not been confirmed as one of those teams, but a tweet from Derek Togerson of NBC San Diego may lead us to believe otherwise: "I'm hearing there might actually be something to the rumors the #Chargers are looking in to Greg Hardy. Not sure how I feel about that one."

Hardy has been on the commissioner's exempt list since September following a July 15 conviction on counts of assaulting a female and communicating threats to then-girlfriend Nicole Holder. On February 9, the charges were dropped when Holder failed to cooperate with the district attorney's office after a settlement was reached between Hardy and his accuser. The 2013 Pro Bowler is seeking reinstatement in time for next season, but the league is still looking into a suspension under the personal conduct code.

Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego strongly advises against the Chargers signing Hardy even with the approval of players within the team: "I surveyed some #Chargers players, and they would approve of signing Greg Hardy. Fans/players want to win. That's fine, but then you ...." He continued: "... forfeit the right to condemn/be indignant next time a player does something horrendous."

With everything that went on last season involving players and incidents of domestic violence, I would second Acee's stance. As good a player as Hardy may be, his past is sure to bring unwanted attention to San Diego.

3. WR Stevie Johnson

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Stevie Johnson is one of two former San Francisco receivers recently linked to the Bolts, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego: "WR Stevie Johnson has visit planned Monday with NE. Scheduled prior to Friday visit with Chargers. Part of process."

The longtime Buffalo Bill was traded to San Francisco during the 2014 draft and replaced by former Clemson standout Sammy Watkins, but that doesn't mean he's incapable of helping a team win some games in his eighth season. Johnson is just two years removed from three consecutive seasons with 1,000 yards receiving and can still make the occasional can't-miss play such as the one he made in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

San Francisco released Johnson when he refused to take a pay cut, per NFL.com's Kevin Patra, and other interested teams include the New England Patriots, as Gehlken mentioned, and the Cleveland Browns, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. He is scheduled to meet with the Patriots sometime today. 

2. WR Michael Crabtree

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The Washington Redskins have reportedly expressed interest in ex-49ers receiver Michael Crabtree, but the Chargers are "a stronger possibility," according to ESPN's John Keim. Injuries contributed to a down year for Crabtree in 2014, but he is still one of the top receivers left over on the free-agent market. 

Over the course of six seasons, Crabtree has caught 61 percent of his career targets and still flashes big-play ability from time to time. Playing within the confines of San Francisco's power-run scheme has also shaped the 27-year-old into a decent run-blocker downfield. His good hands and crisp route running make him a versatile option in the slot or outside the numbers for San Diego.

1. WR Cecil Shorts III

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The Chargers have reportedly shown interest in former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts III, according to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego: "Chargers weighing WR options. Stevie Johnson visited Friday. Have shown interest in Cecil Shorts, per source. Crabtree among other FAs."

Shorts, a fourth-round draft choice in 2011, had a breakout season for the Jags in 2012 with 55 catches, 979 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but his production tailed off the next two seasons. Long-term durability is also a concern as injuries have prevented him from playing a full 16-game season.

Of course, the argument could be made that Shorts didn't have the talent at quarterback to positively influence his personal gains. Blaine Gabbert, Chad Henne and Blake Bortles are hardly comparable to an elite passer such as Philip Rivers, who tends to make receivers look good. At 27 years old, Shorts still has time to get back on track, and San Diego may be just the place to do so.