For fans of the Los Angeles Chargers, underwhelming offseasons have become a disappointing trend.
Last offseason the Chargers had ample cap space to spend, but general manager Joe Hortiz opted to bring back key internal free agents while saving that financial flexibility for this summer. With the team having clearly failed to provide Justin Herbert with the tools he needs to contend for a Super Bowl, it's clear that now is the time to spend that money.
From virtually the middle of the season, aspersions have been cast as to which players Los Angeles could target in free agency. Tyler Linderbaum, who will receive top-of-the-market money for his position, has been a popular one. There are other, cheaper options the Chargers could look at as well to reshape their roster.
But this offseason is already presenting a much more painful and unsatisfactory outcome. With Zion Johnson and Odafe Oweh projected to garner extensive interest in free agency and a number of other internal free agents that still need to be re-signed, it's quite possible we could be in for another underwhelming offseason from Hortiz.
Chargers are presented with a familiar reality by their internal free agents
With a new, innovative offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel coming into the organization, it's time to make major changes to the offense. Few would disagree with that statement.
But the Chargers could quickly be handicapped by the reality of the free agents they need to bring back.
Oweh had an excellent season once he arrived in Los Angeles, and the Chargers certainly realize they need three competent edge rushers to truly achieve the level of disruption they desire. Oweh, however, is bound to get significant interest in free agency. He could earn close to $20 million annually on his next deal.
Johnson, meanwhile, presents an even more perilous scenario. Per Daniel Popper at The Athletic, Johnson is viewed as one of the premier guards on the free agent market. His contract value could exceed $20 million annually this offseason.
Khalil Mack should be brought back as well, and he will command somewhere around $18 million as he enters his age 35 season.
Without even factoring in minor signings such as Benjamin St-Juste, Denzel Perryman, and Keenan Allen, the Chargers could need to commit close to $60 million to just these three free agents before even turning their attention to external prospects.
They would still have glaring needs at center and right guard as well as depth issues to address at defensive tackle and tight end. Of course there's always the possibility that one of Johnson and Oweh (or both) are allowed to walk in free agency. The Chargers could then spread that money across multiple positions.
But it's rapidly shaping up to be an underwhelming offseason for the Chargers, at least in terms of the excitement and splash moves that many anticipated.