Even without a head coaching change themselves, the offseason carousel of head coaches has had a direct impact on the LA Chargers. After all, it resulted in the team losing its coveted defensive coordinator but gaining one of the most respected offensive minds in the sport as offensive coordinator.
It also may have an impact on the Chargers' free agency moves, and for all the right reasons. The Cleveland Browns hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as head coach, and while it has no direct ties to the Chargers, despite Monken's direct ties to Jim's brother John, it may serve as a massive blessing for the Bolts in free agency.
Monken was hired by a team that absolutely will not be in the market for Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, who is one of the best young centers in the sport and would be a perfect fit on the Chargers. With Monken on a non-suitor, the Chargers may now be in the driver's seat.
Todd Monken could've stolen Tyler Linderbaum from the Chargers on the right team
Connections matter a lot in the NFL and if Monken went to a team that needed center help with ample cap space, then he probably would have called on the center he is familiar with. Instead, he finds himself on a team in salary cap limbo with absolutely no chance of affording Linderbaum.
This could have been much different if Monken went elsewhere. Teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans need center help and have the cap space to offer Linderbaum a market-resetting deal.
Monken could've theoretically landed either of those jobs, but he didn't. That, in turn, helps the Chargers.
That's not to say neither of those teams will make a run at Linderbaum. But it takes an uncontrollable variable out of the equation that could have had negative ramifications for the Chargers. Now all the Bolts have to do for Linderbaum is compete financially, which isn't a problem whatsoever.
Over The Cap projects the Chargers at over $88 million in salary-cap space before the Teair Tart deal hits the books. This is the third most in the NFL, behind Tennessee and Las Vegas, and does not factor in the $42 million in cap space the team can create without even cutting anyone.
The Chargers don't have to worry about getting in a bidding war for Linderbaum. They have to worry about getting in a bidding war with someone whom Linderbaum may want to reunite with. With the New York Giants also not having the means to sign Linderbaum, nor a massive need at center, there are no real ties to the Pro Bowl center on the market.
The only tie is to the Ravens, who already denied his fifth-year option and seem to have no desire to reset the center market with his new deal. This all leads to the Chargers, where Linderbaum can play in a culture he is familiar with on a team that should contend for a Super Bowl.
Five years ago, the Chargers signed Corey Linsley and it fundamentally changed the team's offensive line until he abruptly had to retire. Now, they should do the same with Linderbaum. Thanks to Monken, it may be easier than it seems.