LA Chargers: Four remaining free agents to consider
The LA Chargers are done with most of their free-agent activity, but there are still some interesting names that could fit well with the team for the right price.
The LA Chargers made their presence felt in the free-agent market on Tuesday and Wednesday with the signings of Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, and Chris Harris. As expected, those three moves ate up a decent portion of the $40 million in cap room the team entered free agency with.
Per the estimates by The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, the Chargers have a little over eight million to spend in free agent money, before getting to cap they need for signing draft picks and transactions during the season:
I have them with about $8.5 million left in spending money. Basically enough for one more significant signing. https://t.co/WS7MkWLB8K
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) March 18, 2020
In making this list of free agents, the biggest factor that was considered was price. Sure, it would be nice if the Chargers signed every top tier free agent left, but that’s not happening. These guys are depth fits that will likely be available by the second week of free agency. Tom Telesco has used the salary cap very wisely so far, and he must continue doing so.
WR Taylor Gabriel
Taylor Gabriel was an underrated player for the Bears. However, his release was mainly a cap casualty as a result of his salary, which was a little over six million in average annual value. Gabriel is still a good receiver.
His 2019 was unfortunately was shorter than his previous seasons due to concussions. In his first five seasons, he played at least 13 games in every season. In 2019, he played nine.
Most fans probably remember his 2019 for his three touchdown Monday Night Football explosion vs. Washington. His overall numbers last season weren’t particularly impressive, mostly due to the fact he missed time. However, he also wasn’t the best fit for a Chicago offense that struggled with Mitch Trubisky at the helm.
The Chargers are in need of a slot receiver with speed. That is something Gabriel fits perfectly, as he’s still fast at 29 with better than average route running. He complements the possession receiving of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams well.
In Los Angeles, Gabriel wouldn’t be asked to do a lot more than he normally does, especially if the Chargers take a receiver. He can be a solid third or fourth receiver that lines up in the slot, much like his Atlanta tenure.
https://twitter.com/thecheckdown/status/1191083159514796033