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LA Chargers: 3 players who could replace free agent Rayshawn Jenkins

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins #23 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to catch a pass intended for tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins #23 of the Los Angeles Chargers tries to catch a pass intended for tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

2. Tashaun Gipson

It does not really make sense for the LA Chargers to Rashawn Jenkins walk in free agency and then sign another free-agent safety to fill his place. The only way this does make sense for the Bolts is if Jenkins gets a decent multi-year offer (which he should) and the Chargers instead want one year of a veteran safety.

That is the only possible way I can see the Chargers signing a free-agent safety that will play meaningful snaps if Jenkins signs elsewhere and if that is the case, the best option for the team is Tashaun Gipson.

There are other big names that will be available, such as Harrison Smith, but that is simply going to cost the LA Chargers too much salary cap space. Gipson is coming off of a decent season in Chicago that will be enough to get a pay raise from the $1 million salary he had last season, but not significantly.

This could be a signing similar to Tre Boston a few years back where the Chargers bring in a veteran safety and he thrives with the team. Gipson is a former Pro Bowler and certainly has the ball-hawking abilities that you look for in a free safety alongside Derwin James.

I typically don’t like signing older free agents but if the 31-year-old is just getting a one-year deal to provide depth alongside Adderley and be a stopgap safety then I have no problem with it.

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