The Los Angeles Chargers made another veteran signing, inking defensive lineman Linval Joseph today. What does he bring to the Chargers defense?
According to Mike Garofolo of NFL Network, the Los Angeles Chargers signed former Vikings defensive tackle, Linval Joseph to a two-year, $17 million contract today, with another $2 million in incentives. Joseph is a big-bodied interior defender who will greatly improve the Chargers’ already solid defense.
To go along with his strength, he brings a great ability to disrupt the pocket and stop the run in the backfield. He ended last season with three sacks and six tackles for loss. He replaces Brandon Mebane as the veteran defensive tackle on the team. By adding the veteran Joseph, this will be beneficial to the development of Jerry Tillery and Justin Jones.
The two-time Pro Bowler finished the 2019 season with a 69.5 PFF grade. Joseph, who stands at 6’4 and weighs 320 pounds, will fit in perfectly with the Chargers defense.
His size will limit the number of double teams opposing offenses can use on Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, allowing them more opportunities to succeed in one-on-one matchups. He will also help in the run game, which has been an area of need for the team for the past few seasons.
This move will also improve the Chargers pass rush from last year where they only tallied 30 sacks, which was bottom five in the league. Getting pressure on the quarterback will immensely help the secondary as well, which also struggled last season.
It should be noted that Joseph missed three games for the Vikings last season and has not played a full 16-game season since his last Pro Bowl season in 2017. He only missed one game in 2018.
Overall, this is a solid signing for the Chargers. Adding Joseph to the Chargers defense will greatly benefit the rest of the line and the development of Tillery and Jones.
After failing to sign Tom Brady, the Chargers have made a couple of solid veteran signings. Joseph and newly acquired Bryan Bulaga were some of the big-name veterans to hit free agency this season and both will greatly improve two of the biggest areas of need on the team.