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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 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Decision No. 7: Michael Schofield

In a tough year for the Chargers offensive line with injuries, one number stood out-100. That was the percentage of snaps Schofield took in 2020. He was the most consistent part of the offensive line throughout the season.

Personally, categorizing Schofield as great would be a stretch. He’s good with some weakness when it comes to run blocking. But there are definite positives in terms of his improvement. He allowed the fewest sacks as a starter in his career, only allowing one.

Michael Schofield finishes as the only guy on the roster to play 100% of the snaps on offense. No one on defense hit 100% either.

In 634 pass-blocking snaps, he gave up 7 QB hits and one sack, per PFF.

Have to believe he returns next year on a new contract. At right guard. https://t.co/H7YvW0sgKX

— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) December 30, 2019

Schofield isn’t great, but he has great potential to improve and has been incredibly consistent.

What should happen: Schofield returns on a one or two-year deal to play at right guard, with hopefully no more serious offensive line shuffling in 2020 due to injuries. There are a lot of questions on the offensive line as a whole, but Schofield is a bright spot.

What will happen: With the price not expected to be too high, Schofield is probably the closest thing to a lock in terms of returning to the Chargers. They need him at right guard, especially with the potential changes coming along the rest of the line.

Next. Senior Bowl draft stock postgame

There are a lot of free-agent decisions the Chargers will have, including restricted free agents as well as decisions to sign new players from other teams.

Out of the unrestricted free agents though, these seven will define not just the Chargers’ offseason, but at the very least the next two or three years. Rivers being back in the saddle is something that would be nice to see in a transition period to the next quarterback.

Henry, Watt, Schofield, and Phillips are four key signings that are important for the future. In my opinion, it’s best to move on from Gordon and Benjamin.

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