SAN DIEGO -- For the first time in his seven-year career, San Diego Chargers left tackle King Dunlap played a full, 16-game season.
So it’s no surprise 2014 was Dunlap’s most productive season in the NFL. He played 1,000 snaps, giving up three sacks on 625 passing plays this season according to Pro Football Focus.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said Dunlap belonged in the Pro Bowl.
At 29 years old, Dunlap should head into free agency in March as San Diego’s top priority this offseason. Dunlap signed a two-year, $3.95 million contract during the 2013 offseason as a project. He exceeded expectations by cementing his status as San Diego’s left tackle for two seasons.
“It’s probably the best season I’ve had in a while,” he said. “It was good. Being healthy is my biggest thing. I feel like if I’m healthy, I’ll work hard enough to where I’m somewhat successful. Staying healthy was huge.
“We didn’t get all the way to where we wanted to go, falling short of the playoffs. But I had a great time, a great year. And I love the guys on the team.”
In a season-ending conversation with reporters, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco declined to prioritize which of the 17 unrestricted free agents he would like to bring back. However, Telesco said Dunlap was a bright spot on offense.
“He was really big for us this year,” Telesco said. “He played well last year, too, but he really stepped up this year -- not only as a player, but as a leader for us. He just played solid, consistent football week after week. These are all questions that we have to answer in the offseason, but he did a tremendous job.”
Telesco said he will take a three-pronged approach to free agency, gauging the ability of a player into the future, his market value and where the Chargers are in terms of the salary cap.
“If those three things line up, then you’re active,” Telesco said. “If it doesn’t, then you’re not.”
For his part, Dunlap said he would like to return to San Diego, but understands the business aspect of his decision-making process.
“We’ll just have to see how it goes,” he said. “This is the time where our agents do all of the work with the guys in the front office. So we’ll see.
“I feel like I can always get better. I don’t feel like I’m the best. And I don’t feel like I’ll ever be where I need to be, because there’s always room to get better. I just go out and work and keep getting better. That’s my thing. I don’t really rank myself, that’s up to other people. I just go out there and try and play.”
One thing working in Telesco’s favor is Joe D’Alessandris. Dunlap has known San Diego’s offensive line coach since high school, when D’Alessandris tried to recruit him to Georgia Tech. Dunlap chose Auburn instead. Over a decade later, D’Alessandris finally got his man, and likely will fight to keep Dunlap in the fold for the Chargers.
“Having Joe is huge,” Dunlap said. “When Joe first met me, I was 15 years old and a junior in high school. I was a tall, skinny kid that thought he was going to play basketball. Now I’m a tall, big guy that’s out here playing with these guys. But it’s been great. I finally got a chance to play for him. He’s a great guy -- real smart and a great teacher.”
