Decision No.6: Adrian Phillips
One of the things the Chargers missed in their 2019 season was the combination of Derwin James and Adrian Phillips at safety. It was truly amazing how terrific the pair were in 2018 with big interceptions, tackles, and pass breakups. A broken arm for Phillips and a preseason stress fracture for James ended any hope the Chargers had of getting that unit back together at full strength.
Phillips sometimes goes under the radar in terms of his quality of play. In 2018 he was a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro. He also adds his influence on special teams in addition to his coverage. With an offseason to recover, it’s not hard to see him getting back to that 2018 form that partially made the Chargers’ secondary so dangerous to throw on.
What should happen: A two-year deal to bring Phillips back for around five or six million total. Being a contact injury, there’s better odds he makes a full recovery in time for the 2020 season.
With the nature of football, there’s no guarantee another injury doesn’t happen, but Phillips isn’t injury prone at this point. He’s still fairly young as well, entering the 2020 season at 28 years old.
What will happen: The 2019 contract repeats itself. Phillips goes into the season on another “prove it” one-year deal. Hopefully this time, he’s healthy throughout the year.