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LA Chargers: Five bold predictions for 2021 NFL free agency

By Alexander Insdorf

Oct 29, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shakes the hand of Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) after the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shakes the hand of Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) after the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

Prediction #3: The LA Chargers pursue a premium pass rush option opposite Joey Bosa

In all likelihood, Melvin Ingram has played his last snap with the Chargers. There are many ways the Chargers could replace him. Uchenna Nwosu might step up opposite Joey Bosa in the Staley scheme. Los Angeles could also go for guys like Gregory Rousseau, Kwity Paye, or Payton Turner in the draft.

While the Chargers still may pursue some combination of those options, my best guess would be that they pursue a free agent outside linebacker/defensive end. Leonard Floyd is the name that has been rumored as a Staley connection signing. Floyd or safety John Johnson could maintain some familiarity on defense while making it an easier transition for Staley.

MUST-READ: Last Chargers mock draft before free agency

Under Staley, Floyd hit career highs in sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss. With Bosa on the other side already drawing plenty of attention from defenses, he could fit really well on the line. Some might say that Floyd’s production largely came from playing next to Aaron Donald, but that shouldn’t be a concern for the Chargers. Bosa finished second in the NFL in pass-rush win rate, just behind Donald.

Other premium pass rushers who will be available include Steelers’ OLB Bud Dupree and Super Bowl LV Champion Shaquil Barrett. Depending on what the Broncos decide to do with their cap situation, Von Miller could also be in play.

We’ll see whether or not the numbers work out in acquiring a high-end free-agent pass rusher, but I do think the Chargers will make an effort to acquire one.

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