Upcoming Free Agents For the San Diego Chargers

Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler (56) celebrates with Chargers president Dean Spanos after a win against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers have a number of impending free agents for the offseason. Not all of them will be brought back, but Tom Telesco should likely look to bring some of these players back. Here is the list of players that are set to become free agents.

Seyi Ajirotutu – Ajirotutu made one of the biggest catches of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs and is a top-notch special teams player. If anything, he should be brought back for his ability to contribute on special teams. He can compete for a roster spot in training camp. His ability to play wide receiver and play special teams is a big plus.

Danario Alexander – Will the Chargers give Alexander another opportunity? His injury history is well-documented. He is a huge risk to sign. He showed that he can be a top level wide receiver with the Chargers if he is healthy though. We should make the doctor check him out and if he clears, give him another one-year deal.

Bront Bird – He is a special teams player and nothing more. He is a liability on the field if he has to play defense. Time to let him walk.

Donald Butler – Butler could have made a lot more money if he signed a deal last offseason. After his performance this season, his stock dropped off. He has shown potential, but didn’t live up to that level this year and again was injured and missed a few games this season. A pattern is starting to develop with him and those injuries. Butler should be the top priority for the team to re-sign.

Larry English – His contract finally has ended!

Lavelle Hawkins – Hawkins looked like he could provide some help in the return game and add some depth at the receiver position, but he was unable to get off the inactive roster all season. The team needed help in both areas during the year and Hawkins couldn’t crack the lineup. He doesn’t seem to be a fit.

Richard Marshall – Marshall ended the year as the team’s starter at cornerback across from Shareece Wright. He was the best option at the position, but that doesn’t mean he was a good option. Marshall is better off as depth in the secondary, but who will the Chargers have as a starter at corner?

Rich Ohrnberger – Ohrnberger is solid depth on the offensive line. He can play both center and guard. His versatility will be valuable. He provided big minutes in the playoffs against the Bengals and would be a nice option to bring back for depth.

Chad Rinehart – Rinehart was the starting left guard and we barely heard his name all season. That usually means good things for offensive linemen. His versatility was big for the team also. He started at both left guard and right guard during the year and should be brought back on a multi-year deal.

Steve Schilling – There is likely better depth players available.

Darrell Stuckey – Stuckey was the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year. He also contributed at safety this season and is a solid player on the roster.

Cam Thomas – As a starter, Thomas was a big disappointment. If he is brought back, it would have to be on a cheap deal and he would have to take a backup role. He would be good for depth on the defensive line andhe is best used on pass rushing situations.

Reggie Walker – Walker came over from the Cardinals in the offseason and was just known as a special teams stud. With the Chargers, he had to take on multiple roles and showed a lot of versatility. He started at middle linebacker and outside linebacker for the team and he filled his role well. He should be brought back for a couple more years.

Charlie Whitehurst – Clipboard Jesus help onto that clipboard like a pro. Time for Bran Sorensen to take that duty though.