Chargers fans were expecting a frantic start to NFL free agency with the Bolts having among the most cap space in the league and several roster holes to fill.
That is not what transpired.
Instead, the Chargers picked their spots on the first day of free agency and ended up with a day that was disappointing to many. Re-signing Khalil Mack and signing Najee Harris were the two biggest moves of the first wave and outside those two moves, the Chargers didn't do much to inspire the fanbase.
One of the most disappointing developments from the early wave of free agency is the departure of Poona Ford. The Chargers let one of their best defensive players walk on a three-year, $29.6 million deal from the Los Angeles Rams. At that price, with the team's ample cap space, Ford could have returned.
Several other Chargers free agents have signed with new teams but in each case it makes sense why the Bolts weren't interested — that is, until Nick Niemann left the team. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Niemann is signing a two-year deal worth up to $6.5 million with the Houston Texans.
Chargers lose LB Nick Niemann to Houston Texans
While not as bad as the Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill departures in previous years, it is disappointing to see an impactful linebacker leave the team on a cheap deal. With ample cap space, the Chargers had more than enough room to match this offer.
Niemann has been a crucial member of the Chargers' special teams unit and replacing him won't be easy. While his defensive impact was limited by the depth chart at linebacker, his special teams impact was worth more than what he signed for.
Perhaps Niemann has a better chance of playing defensive snaps with the Texans, hence the departure. The Chargers very well may have offered Niemann the same deal only for the linebacker to turn them down in favor of a perceived opportunity.
Niemann's deal is worth up to $6.5 million over two years, so the actual base salary will be lower. Niemann's base salary probably falls in the $5 million range, which is just $2.5 million per season. The Chargers don't need ample cap space to make that kind of signing.
Alas, whether it be because of a lack of interest from the Bolts or the desire for a new opportunity for Neimann, the Chargers are left needing to replace one of the most impactful players on the special teams unit.
With Niemann gone, it's now imperative the Chargers re-sign linebacker Troy Dye. Losing both would create too much of a hole on special teams.