Why the Chargers will wait to make final free agent signings

While the Los Angeles Chargers are one of the NFL’s most complete teams, there are free agents available now that could help at certain positions. Why have the Chargers not yet made a signing late in free agency?

This year’s Los Angeles Chargers team is strong – some have even said that they boast the most complete roster in the NFL in 2019. However, with over $10 million in cap space, why have they not signed free agents for the few roster holes they do have?

Among the holes that the Chargers have on their roster are the tackle, corner (depth), and punter.

There are veteran free agents available who could improve the outlook of those positions right now. Below is a short look at some of the best free agents at each position:

Offensive Tackle

• Donald Penn
• Ryan Schraeder
• Jermey Parnell

Corner

• Brent Grimes
• Sam Shields
• Orlando Scandrick

Punter

• Bryan Anger

While not the best list, there are certainly veterans that could help the team out, especially at tackle. With all of these free agents available, why have the Chargers not signed one of these players? Here are two potential reasons:

Roster Cuts

Why sign a free agent now when a better one could potentially be available later?

That approach is how the Chargers stole Brandon Flowers in June of 2014 Mike Pouncey in March of 2018, and Tom Telesco should be looking to take this route again.

Come August 31, 2019, NFL teams will be required to cut down their roster to 53 men. In a relatively recent change, the first roster cut-down period was removed, meaning that this date will be the day that teams go all the way from 90 men to 53.

With 37 players being cut from each team, there are bound to be talented players made available to the Chargers. Telesco will do his best to save cap space now to make a run at a potential starter following roster cuts.

Injuries

Another factor causing the Chargers to wait to make final free agent additions is the possibility of injury, where the team’s current needs may not be the biggest needs by the end of training camp if a starter is lost.

While some positions seem solid now, they could become major weaknesses with one devastating injury. Last season, the Chargers appeared to be set at tight end before one injury to Hunter Henry made the unit go from elite to average in a hurry, prompting the re-signing of Antonio Gates. If either Keenan Allen or Casey Hayward are removed from the equation, the Chargers would suddenly be scrambling for starting talent at their respective positions.

Due to these two reasons, Chargers fans should expect to wait before the team makes another major free agent addition. While great additions could be made now, even better ones could be made at the end of August.