5 mistakes the LA Chargers must avoid making this offseason
By Jason Reed
4. The LA Chargers signing old, veteran secondary help
The LA Chargers need some secondary help this offseason. Casey Hayward and Chris Harris both took a step back in 2020 and there are no signs of them suddenly flipping a switch and getting better in 2021 at their age.
Michael Davis and Rayshawn Jenkins are also free agents. The team really cannot afford to let Davis walk as they currently do not have a tangible second outside corner option. Jenkins could be replaced, but Nasir Adderley needs help at the free safety position.
The team needs to add depth and should do so in the 2021 NFL Draft and if they do turn to the free-agent market, should do so with younger or cheaper options. Paying a premium price for an old, veteran secondary piece just does not make sense.
That is why the team is in the problem it is currently in. Hayward and Harris are showcasing the typical post-30 regression for players in the secondary.
That rules out some big-name options that some Charger fans might have wanted the team to pursue. Patrick Peterson, A.J. Bouye, Richard Sherman — those are all big-name free agents that will get more than they deserve because of their namesake.
Just like Chris Harris got more than he deserved from the LA Chargers last offseason because of his namesake.
Instead, if the Chargers want to load up on secondary depth they need to first spend a mid-round pick on a corner to start developing the position to survive past 2021. Then, they can bring in younger options or cheaper options.
Jason Verrett is approaching 30 but he finally had a healthy season in 2020 and would be a cheap option. He has fewer miles on his legs than any corner his age and won’t burn the team as a cheap signing. The same could be said for another former Charger, Tre Boston.
Some younger options include Marcus Williams, John Johnson, Shaquill Griffin and so many others. If they are going to spend a pretty penny on secondary help, it has to be on younger talent.