We're officially less than a month away from the NFL's tampering period opening on March 10th. Shortly after that, free agents will officially be allowed to sign with teams on March 12th. Leaguewide, players are going to attempt to bolster their profiles and representation to get the best possible deals in free agency. With ample cap space, the LA Chargers are a team to watch in free agency.
Two Chargers players have already made pivots toward free agency this offseason. Back in January, cornerback Kristian Fulton switched agencies. Fulton had been with Wasserman for representation before recently signing with Athletes First.
Last year in free agency, Fulton took a one-year, $3.1 million deal with the Chargers ($2.4M guaranteed). After what was probably his best season as a pro in 2024, this change in representation is likely a sign that he wants a better deal than he got last offseason.
Fulton posted career highs in PFF defense (68.9) and coverage (66.6) grades. He also set a career high in defensive snaps (827) while having the lowest PFF missed tackle rate in a season to date (11.9%). While he dealt with injuries, 2024 was easily Fulton's healthiest season of his NFL tenure so far.
Fulton isn't the only Chargers' corner looking for the best deal on the market in free agency. Just a few days ago, CB Asante Samuel Jr. made changes to his representation. Samuel was previously represented by David Canter of GSE Worldwide before also signing with Athletes First.
Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton change agents after Chargers contracts expired
Samuel's 2024 is a bit trickier to explain than Fulton's. He did not play in a game after the team's bye week with what was listed as a shoulder injury.
ASJ was placed on IR before the first game against Denver and never returned. Samuel said at the team's end-of-season baggie day that he dealt with stinger symptoms in his shoulder during practice prior to the Denver game. He also said his goal is to still return to the Chargers.
PFF currently projects Samuel to still receive a three-year, $43.5 million contract in free agency as their 26th-best free agent available. Fulton was not given a projection in PFF's initial list of the top 100 free agents.
With Samuel off of his rookie contract and Fulton no longer looking for a "prove it" deal, both making the pivot to Athletes First for representation should indicate that they may not be terribly cheap to bring back to LA.