SAN DIEGO -- Here are the moves the Los Angeles Chargers should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday:
Find a left tackle: This year’s draft class is weak at offensive line. Projected left tackle King Dunlap has played solidly when healthy, but turns 32 in September. Dunlap also has dealt with a rash of injuries during his four seasons with the Chargers, including concussion issues. And his arrest in February for an alleged violation of a protection order doesn’t help matters. Dunlap carries a $5.75 million, non-guaranteed base salary that likely will be restructured if he stays on the roster. So the Chargers could be looking for a player to bridge the gap until they can find a long-term developmental prospect to take over that position.
Sign a nickel cornerback: Like Dunlap, cornerback Brandon Flowers has been an effective player for the Chargers when healthy, but the problem has been keeping him on the field. Flowers had four concussions over the past three seasons, which has the 31-year-old mulling retirement. He is scheduled to make $9 million in base salary in 2017. If the Chargers move on from Flowers, they have to find an experienced slot defender in free agency who is familiar with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme.
Bring in a veteran safety: The Chargers have an experienced safety familiar with Bradley’s scheme from his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Dwight Lowery. However, Lowery is 31, and the Chargers have to add more speed in the back end for Bradley’s Cover 3 defense to be effective. Don’t rule out a possible return of Jahleel Addae, who has a lot of the traits the Chargers are looking for in a safety. Addae has the versatility to play both safety positions, but could garner some attention in free agency.
