Chargers players looking for a new contract in 2020

Chargers looking for a new contract: Part four

Michael Schofield

Why keep him: Schofield was the better of the three non-blue chip linemen of the starting unit. He has versatility to play both guard and tackle, an invaluable asset to a line unsure of its current starting five.

Why not: Forrest Lamp could push him out of a job, and returning just to play a reserve spot may not be something he’s interested in.

Melvin Gordon

Why keep him: Gordon has improved in every year since entering the league in 2015, posting an impressive 5.1 yards per rush and 9.8 yards per reception average last season. He’s become a touchdown machine after failing to find the end zone once his rookie year.

Why not: The injuries. Do the Chargers want to commit a large chunk of cap space to a player who is frequently hurt? The Chargers beat the Titans, Chiefs, and Steelers last year without Gordon.

Mike Pouncey

Why keep him: The Chargers currently have no other legitimate options at center, and given Telesco’s draft history (Chris Watt, Max Tuerk), they may consider bringing him back on a short contract.

Why not: He’ll be 32 years old in 2020, which is not old but it’s also not young. The team could even look at Scott Quessenberry, their 2018 fifth-round selection.

Philip Rivers

Why keep him: Well, he’s possibly the greatest Chargers player in team history, and just posted the second-highest quarterback rating of his career. The Chargers have capable clipboard holders, but they will not be able to find a signal caller who can play at that high of a level for a team built to win immediately.

Why not: He doesn’t want to play anymore. Regardless of what the team wants, if he decides this was his last contract, then so be it. In his 16th season, there is always a chance his play declines or an injury occurs, though his history suggests otherwise.