Which free agents should Chargers target? RB edition
By Matt Pagels
3. Andre Williams (ERFA): The Chargers have Gordon, Oliver and Burkhead, but they still need more depth.
Andre Williams, who was claimed off the Giants’ practice squad last year, played in just one game last season, but boy did he run hard. In the season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, Williams gave it his all while dragging defenders along the way. He showed good power with a non-stop motor, finishing the game with a 4.8 yards per carry.
Why sign him: According to ESPN’s Eric Williams, the Chargers had one rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter last season, tied for worst in the league. A player like Williams, who scored seven touchdowns as a rookie, could bulldoze his way into the end zone from short distance. Packers’ Eddie Lacy, 26, is an intriguing option for that role, too, but a team desperate for a starting RB will likely overpay for him. If Lacy is only offered cheap, one-year prove-it deals, it wouldn’t hurt for Los Angeles to throw its name into the hat.
The money: Williams, a 2014 fourth-rounder, still has potential and is only 24 years old despite being in the league for three years. He’ll bring a different skill set than the players listed above. He’s an exclusive rights free agent, which means the Chargers have the option to retain him at the league minimum. If Williams is tendered, he will receive a one-year deal and won’t be allowed to negotiate with any other team. Like Oliver, the Chargers have until the March 9 deadline to tender Williams or he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Contract: One-year, $615,000 deal (two accrued seasons, per OvertheCap.com)
Total money delegated to RB position (based off 2017 base salary): Gordon ($1.4M); Burkhead ($2.5-3M); Oliver ($1.7M); Williams ($615K), Watt ($540K) = $7.2M total