LA Chargers: Four remaining free agents to consider

LB Nigel Bradham

The Chargers do need some help at linebacker, particularly when it comes to the weakside. Uchenna Nwosu and Emeke Egbule currently are the outside linebackers for the team, but they could always use more.

Nigel Bradham was a pretty big part of the defense that won the Eagles the Super Bowl two years ago. Afterward, he was signed to a pretty lofty five-year extension worth $40 million. He never quite lived up to that number. For the team, it was always an overpay because of the Super Bowl and the desire to run it back.

Bradham has been healthy. There’s not very much risk associated with signing him. He’d cost somewhere between $2-4 million for probably a one year deal. He’s still OK in coverage to the point of not being a liability and can get after the quarterback.

Bradham knows where to be on plays with his veteran experience, and awareness is huge for any older linebacker. Being 30 isn’t that old either, considering the team went with Thomas Davis last year. He made some big plays in 2019, even in coverage:

NIGEL BRADHAM. INTERCEPTION.

Eagles win in Lambeau(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/DuuXAf30CR

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) September 27, 2019

The LA Chargers don’t have much money left to throw around in free agency, but improving the depth of their positions is important. Gabriel is a speedster who’s a nice complement to Allen and Williams. His slot role could be used nicely by any team that has him.

Dareus and Bradham are two defensive players who just found themselves in free agency because their contracts were too pricey. With shorter-term deals, Dareus can make a difference in stopping the run and Bradham can get after the quarterback pretty efficiently.

McCoy is likely to keep playing, and he’s not a bad fit for the team with his efficiency on the goal line. Despite being injured throughout the season, McCoy still found a way to rush for 4.6 yards per carry.