San Diego Chargers Free Agency: Who Will Be Coming, Going and Staying

Coming into the offseason, the San Diego Chargers' main goal was upgrading the depth on their roster. They were once considered to have the most talent and deepest roster in the NFL, but several key contributors have left San Diego over last few years.

And the front office will again have to make several key personnel decisions that will determine if the team is going to contend for another AFC West Divisional title, as 28 current Chargers are eligible to become free agents once the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is resolved.

1) RB/KR Darren Sproles

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 5: Darren Sproles #43 of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the field against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

It appears Darren Sproles has played his last game in a Charger uniform, as his price tag is getting far too expensive for the dwindling results on the field. The Chargers overpaid by placing the franchise tag on Sproles during the whole LT contract fiasco. Don’t be surprised if you start hearing rumors of Reggie Bush returning home as his replacement.

2) WR Vincent Jackson

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the sidelines against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo

For at least one more season, Vincent Jackson will be playing football in San Diego exclusively, as the Chargers placed the franchise tag on him for the 2011 season. He is a Pro Bowl-caliber wideout that can dominate a game with his play. The only way Jackson stays in San Diego long term if he comes down in price…this will become a wait-and-see-game between the front office and the player.

3) WR Steve Smith

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 05: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 5, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won, 31-14. (Photo by Otto Greule

Steve Smith wants out of Carolina and reportedly has asked to be traded to a West Coast team.

How serious are his intentions? Well, he has cleaned out his locker at the Panthers facility and sold his residence in the Carolina area. Smith would be the perfect compliment receiver across from Vincent Jackson and offer another clutch playmaker for Philip Rivers to throw to downfield.

4) LB Stephen Cooper

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after breaking up a third down pass attempt in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. Th

Stephen Cooper is the captain of the defense, as he calls all of the defensive signals on the field. He will receive offers from other teams and could become too expensive to resign. Personally, I think it will be difficult to replace Cooper, and GM A.J. Smith's chief goal should be getting him back into the fold for 2011. 

5) WR Malcolm Floyd

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. Chargers defeated the Broncos, 35-14. (Photo by K

Last season, Malcolm Floyd was supposed to step up with increased playing time due to the Vincent Jackson's holdout, but he struggled to stay healthy all season long. Unfortunately, he isn’t even the third option in the Charger high-power passing game, but Floyd is a tall, big option for Philip Rivers in the red zone. Being slowed by injuries has hurt his chances of obtaining a big contract via free agency.

6) S Eric Weddle

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SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Safety Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates a sack against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 38-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Resigning Eric Weddle has become the No. 1 priority of the Chargers front office, as finding a viable replacement will be difficult. They drafted S Marcus Gilchrist, who scouts have projected to be between a project to a solid contributor.

7) RT Jeromey Clary

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SAN DIEGO, CA - CIRCA 2010: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Jeromey Clary of the San Diego Chargers poses for his 2010 NFL headshot circa 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)

Jeromey Clary has been San Diego’s whipping boy for the last several seasons due to his poor play. He is a strong run blocker that has limited range on his pass-blocking technique, and it's still a toss-up if Clary will be resigned by the Chargers.