We continue our player-by-player look at the San Diego Chargers’ potential unrestricted free agents with a closer examination of a versatile defensive back.
Safety Marcus Gilchrist
For a second straight season, Gilchrist started all 16 games, finishing second on the team in tackles with 76 and playing a total of 929 snaps, second defensively to Eric Weddle (961). Gilchrist also had two forced fumbles, a sack and an interception that sealed San Diego’s victory over the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 23.
Chargers career: Selected in the second round of the 2011 draft by the Chargers out of Clemson, Gilchrist emerged as a full-time starter in 2013 at safety, playing in the defensive backfield next to Weddle. Gilchrist was drafted as a cornerback but switched primarily to safety in 2012. He started 16 games in 2013, playing 951 snaps and finishing third on the team in tackles with 77. Gilchrist also finished the regular season with two interceptions, a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five pass breakups in 2013.
Argument for keeping Gilchrist: The Chargers like to keep productive, home-grown talent, and Gilchrist is a good fit in defensive coordinator John Pagano’s scheme. Gilchrist can play nickel cornerback and safety. And he has proved to be durable, playing in all 16 games the last two seasons.
Argument for letting Gilchrist go: The Chargers have been grooming Jahleel Addae to take on a larger role defensively for two seasons, and Pagano could be ready to see how he looks as a starter next to Weddle.
What should happen with Gilchrist: The Chargers will likely let Gilchrist become a free agent on Tuesday and see what he commands on the free-agent market. If he can be brought back at a reasonable price, the Chargers could oblige. However, San Diego has more pressing needs to address first.
