We continue our player-by-player look at the San Diego Chargers' potential unrestricted free agents with a closer examination of an ascending talent at inside linebacker.
A core player on special teams for San Diego, Gachkar earned a situational role on defense last season. Gachkar started five games and played in a total of 366 snaps defensively in 2014, finishing with 49 tackles and a sack. Gachkar also finished tied for third on the team with 14 tackles on special teams.
Chargers career: The 26-year-old University of Missouri product was a seventh-round selection by the Chargers in the 2011 draft. Gachkar has collected 92 tackles and two sacks in four NFL seasons, earning the trust of defensive coordinator John Pagano with his steady play. And he’s been durable, missing just one game due to injury in four seasons.
Argument for keeping Gachkar: He’s a young, versatile performer who can play all four linebacker positions, and could be a relatively inexpensive option to remain on San Diego’s roster as experienced depth and a core special-teams player. If Gachkar continues to improve, he could work his way into the starting lineup defensively.
Argument for letting Gachkar go: Kavell Conner is already on the roster and plays a similar role as part-time starter at inside linebacker and a core special-teams player. Reggie Walker also remains on the roster, and can fill a role similar to Gachkar is he becomes too expensive to bring back in free agency.
What should happen with Gachkar: The Chargers should re-sign Gachkar and let him compete for a spot on the back end of roster. Competition is needed to continue to push players like Donald Butler and Manti Te'o, and Gachkar remains one of the best options on special teams for San Diego.
