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Chargers: Seven important 2020 unrestricted free agent decisions

By Alexander Insdorf

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers points to fans as he enters the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers points to fans as he enters the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Wide receiver Travis Benjamin #12 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Wide receiver Travis Benjamin #12 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 13, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

Decision No. 3: Travis Benjamin

Over the last few years, Benjamin was the third wide receiver for the Chargers. However, his role was starting to decrease even prior to this season. His plays decreased last season and there were debates as to whether he should have been a training camp cut this year. Benjamin was still needed for some deep plays at the end of the day.

His season was cut short when he aggravated a lingering quad injury in mid October. Placed on injured reserve, his season ended. Most likely, his Chargers career has as well. While Benjamin had his moments as a Charger, his skills declined over his tenure, even with his good 2016 season. In 2019, Benjamin really disappointed in particular with his drops:

Highest drop rate in NFL through 4 weeks:1. Donte Moncrief – 40% (!!)2. Travis Benjamin – 33.3%T3. Jared Cook – 27%T3. Eric Ebron – 27%T3. Dawson Knox – 27%

— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) October 2, 2019

Some of it comes down to luck. But while Benjamin has had bad luck, the consistency of drops, injuries, and decreasing athleticism make it hard to believe in a rebound in 2020.

What should happen: For the sake of accountability, Benjamin can’t be brought back. The Chargers simply cannot allow the dropped ball problem to continue. From 2016-18, the Chargers had 56 drops, fifth-worst in the NFL. Other than Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the wide receiver group needs to be changed up and filled with more competitive depth in 2020.

What will happen: Benjamin leaves in free agency to another team on a one or two year deal for 2020.

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