The Formula for Handling Free Agents For the Chargers

Nov 24, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) defends a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) in the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 34-31. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Armed with the aforementioned factors, let’s take a look at a few available free agent positions and apply the factor analysis. A couple of important points to make first; all of these free agents were not deemed valuable enough to offer them a franchise tag, or if you will, the value of the top players at their positions. Now, let’s be honest, there are a myriad of reasons for that, but it’s true non-the-less. So, it would seem too much to think they deserve to be the highest paid players at their positions. Some teams make the mistake of getting into a bidding war. Poor teams think they have to offer more to attract players because they are not patient enough to build their teams properly.

The good news is that there are many good corner backs in free agency. Because of that they are less likely to have teams throw insane offers their way. Perhaps Alterraun Verner or Aqib Talib will get the big sharks to swim at them, but several others fit the Chargers needs. Like the draft, good teams need to be flexible. Some players with the right factors are Sam Shields, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond, Captain Munnerlyn, and Tarell Brown.

At the nose tackle position, players that the Chargers might target based on the above factors are Linval Joseph, Earl Mitchell, Pat Sims, and Clinton McDonald.

Interior offensive lineman available, considering the factors are Jon Asamoah, Zane Beadles, and Geoff Schwartz.

Wide receivers are especially interesting. The Chargers have a need of deep speed with perhaps a little height for red zone targets. Golden Tate, Andre Roberts, and Louis Murphy might be worth a signing. Two others that would have to be bargain basement salaries but might be worth a gamble are Kenny Britt and Sidney Rice. Normally not a recommended strategy, these two players are still young and have proven themselves as stars that have not been reliable, but if healthy and with their heads screwed on straight could be major contributors. Both cannot afford to stray and have a lot at stake so they might be good options at the right price.

Other positions are a possibility, of course, but these players seem to have the best shot at becoming Chargers. For the most part, they all fit into the factors mentioned. Obviously, strange things can happen and those things could take any of these players out of the mix, but having several options increases the chances of signing a player who can help the Chargers. What we don’t get in this round of free agency we’ll have try to get in the draft or the pending free agents available after the draft. Any way you slice it, it is an exciting time in football and the results promise to be an improvement for the Bolts. In Telesco and company we trust.