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Chargers Free Agency Preview: Henry Anderson should be targeted

By Jason Gilder

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Marcus Murphy #45 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball as he is smothered by Henry Anderson #96 of the New York Jets in the third quarter during NFL game action at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 09: Marcus Murphy #45 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball as he is smothered by Henry Anderson #96 of the New York Jets in the third quarter during NFL game action at New Era Field on December 9, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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With a number of Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackles possibly heading for the market,  Henry Anderson could be one of the Bolts major free-agent signings this month.

The Chargers defense excelled for the majority of the 2018 season, but there could be some significant personnel changes coming to the front of that unit in March.

On March 13, the NFL’s free agency signing window officially opens and the Bolts could be losing some key contributors on the defensive line. The team chose to decline the option of defensive tackle Corey Liuget, putting his future with the team in doubt. Interior defensive linemen Brandon Mebane, Damion Square and Darius Phillon are also free agents.

There is no guarantee that the aforementioned four players return once the 2019 season kicks off. However, general manager Tom Telesco will have some enticing options to choose from in this year’s defensive free agency pool. One player that should be on his radar is defensive lineman Henry Anderson

The 27-year-old is fresh off the best campaign of his four-season career, as he racked up seven sacks for the New York Jets, which was tied for the team lead. Anderson’s solid productivity came despite starting in just three of 16 games played in his first year with the Jets.

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws an incomplete pass under pressure from Henry Anderson #96 of the New York Jets in the third quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions throws an incomplete pass under pressure from Henry Anderson #96 of the New York Jets in the third quarter at Ford Field on September 10, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Labeling Anderson as a defensive lineman is indicative to how versatile he is on the front line, a trait the Chargers should be clamoring for. 2018 was his second year as a defensive end after spending the first two years of his career as a defensive tackle.

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Standing at 6-foot-6 with a 301-pound frame, the former Indianapolis Colts draft pick has the size and brute physicality to be a disruptive interior lineman for the Chargers. Adding Anderson to the roster would be smart given the likely need to fill that position once free agency begins.

But acquiring him would also provide L.A. with a reliable backfill pass rusher. Defensive end Joey Bosa is one of the NFL’s best at the position but he has occasionally struggled to stay healthy. Anderson would be a quality replacement for Bosa if he sustains an injury in 2019.

Prying the veteran lineman away from the Jets could be a challenge given their interest to re-sign him. But the chance to play with an above-average Chargers defense unit should make Anderson’s eyes light up. The 27-year-old would be a quality addition to a team being viewed as a borderline Super Bowl contender in 2019.

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