2. Jurrell Casey, DL
- Connection: Renaldo Hill
This connection is not as strong as Renaldo Hill was the defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos and Jurrell Casey played one year for Denver and really did not even play. However, as the defensive coordinator now of the LA Chargers, perhaps Hill uses that connection to get Casey in the door.
Quite frankly, if I was any team with cap space at this point in the offseason I would bring in Casey on a cheap one-year deal. Casey was bad last year but he was also dealt a bad hand. He dealt with a torn biceps and was even put on the covid-19 list, limiting his chances to really do anything in Denver.
Before becoming a Bronco Casey was a five-time consecutive Pro Bowler. Pro Bowls are flawed but Casey was consistently well above average.
Age and injuries are typically a bad thing for regression and anyone who consistently reads my work knows I am not a fan of bringing in old free agents to play a big role. That is not what this is. The Chargers would be signing Casey to a cheap deal to help on the defensive line. And if he is great, his role increases.
This is a legitimate need for the Chargers as well. It is looking like the team is going to convert to a 3-4 defensive and I do not love the options for the defensive end. Joey Bosa will be on one side, which is great, but Jerry Tillery is not suited at all to be a defensive end or nose tackle in a 3-4 defense as he is so bad against the run.
Casey has a ton of experience playing in a 3-4 defense and would add quality depth. At worst, the Chargers wasted $2-3 million.