LA Chargers: Chris Harris brings more heat to a potent secondary
With the signing of a former division rival, the LA Chargers have bolstered their secondary in a significant way.
The LA Chargers kept the signings coming when they inked Chris Harris to a two year deal on Wednesday when free agency opened:
It was reported he had interest from several other teams before eventually settling on signing with Los Angeles. He liked the fit in the secondary with Derwin James, Casey Hayward, and Desmond King.
At full health, this is a much-improved secondary from last year. Having Michael Davis play more a depth role instead of starting opposite Hayward is a great change. There also may not be as much pressure as there was on King last year with the injuries to James and Adrian Phillips.
The Chris Harris Jr. deal with the #Chargers is for 2 years and 20 million per source. He had several other suiters and Harris picked the Chargers.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 18, 2020
It’s a big move to put a bona fide All-Pro corner next to Hayward. It’s not something that many frankly expected coming into the offseason. My prediction was that cornerback would be coming through the early rounds of the draft, but that may be unlikely to happen now.
Harris only allowed two 100 yard games by opposing receivers in 2019. Fans will remember that he was successful against Keenan Allen in the two games he played against the Chargers in 2019. Allen wasn’t Harris’ only victim. He held Stefon Diggs, Tyrell Williams, Allen Robinson, Davante Adams, and Kenny Golladay to 60 yards or less.
Harris is effectively the cornerback opposite Hayward now, but don’t be surprised to see him in some interesting formations. It wouldn’t surprise me if he rotates between covering man and covering slot pretty often. Seeing him in some nickel formations wouldn’t be a shocker either, given that King is coming off of a down year.
Another key factor as to why Harris is a good decision is keeping him away from the Raiders. While the Raiders’ defense isn’t top tier yet, they have a lot of young developing talent. Adding Harris to that mix would’ve been problematic for the Chargers. It still would’ve meant two games a year of Harris vs. Allen.
Next. Why Tom Brady was never a good idea for the Chargers
The LA Chargers continued to load up on quality talent in free agency after missing out on Tom Brady. Harris fixes an uncertain second cornerback spot with ease as Davis is able to play more of a supporting role now. It was a fairly cheap signing for the quality of player Harris is, as well as the number of snaps he’s going to give the Chargers game in and game out. Keeping Harris away from the Raiders was important, and adding him to a loaded secondary should have the AFC scared.