Bolt Beat
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 7
Next
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers returns a first-quarter interception against the Kansas City Chiefs but the Chargers were penalized prior to the snap at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers returns a first-quarter interception against the Kansas City Chiefs but the Chargers were penalized prior to the snap at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Chargers Free Agency