LA Chargers: Free-agent offensive linemen to avoid this offseason
By Jason Reed
One of the biggest priorities for the LA Chargers this offseason, as it seems to be every offseason, is adding offensive line help. The Chargers had one of the worst offensive lines in the league last season and the team’s main focus must be to protect Justin Herbert.
It is a shame, really, as there was promise for last season’s offensive line. Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga could barely stay healthy, reminding us that the best way to grow a line is with good drafting, not with external moves.
Free agency and trades can be valuable assets but when you trade or sign a player you are a) paying a higher salary and b) getting someone who already has plenty of NFL miles and is more susceptible to injury or regression.
That is not to say that the LA Chargers should completely avoid free-agent offensive linemen this offseason, but Tom Telesco and the front office must be careful. Here are some names to avoid.
Free-agent offensive linemen the LA Chargers should avoid: Cameron Fleming
This is a case of an offensive lineman simply not being that great and it would truly be a waste if the LA Chargers were to sign him. Fleming was ranked on Pro Football Network’s top 10 free agents at every position, coming in at seventh.
Over the Cap‘s evaluation of Fleming is $6.33 million. That simply is not worth it for a player of his caliber and I would legitimately rather the team spend less for Sam Tevi over bringing in someone such as Fleming.
The tackle played 572 pass-blocking snaps last season, allowing 35 pressures and seven sacks. For comparison’s sake, that is right up there with the likes of Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp.
Quite frankly, Fleming would not be any sort of upgrade for the LA Chargers and would be a waste of salary-cap space. Let another team sign him.