Why the LA Chargers shouldn’t pursue a free-agent left tackle

1. The LA Chargers get a longer window of success

There are risks no matter what decision you make in the NFL. Success is not guaranteed for any player year-over-year and there is the risk of a draft pick being a bust just like there is a risk of a free-agent not panning out.

Here, the LA Chargers have to play the numbers game with the left tackle position. This is a fairly good tackle class and while success is not guaranteed, if the Chargers do the proper groundwork and make the right pick at 13 then they should at least be getting a starting-caliber left tackle.

They could also get that with Fisher and recent history indicates that he will be more than just starting-caliber. However, there are risks involved in bringing in veteran offensive linemen that we have seen play out on the Chargers.

Offensive line is a grueling position group and so often do we see these veteran offensive linemen regress quickly. Of course, there are counterexamples, such as Andrew Whitworth, but the Chargers know all-too-well how quickly someone can fall off.

Just look at last season. Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga were pitched as this big solution for the offensive line, which was supposed to be much better. I had my doubts, and unfortunately, those doubts came to fruition.

Both racked up injuries and Turner especially was really bad when he did play. Now he is the prime candidate to be cut this offseason.

With a rookie left tackle, the Chargers are more likely to get multiple seasons of great play, which is really what the team is trying to accomplish. Offensive line has been a revolving door for the Bolts and that is why they have failed to build anything worthwhile upfront.