3 bargain free agents the Chargers should look to sign in free agency

2. Jarran Reed

The biggest area of need for the Chargers heading into the 2022 offseason is the run defense. After finishing a pitiful 28th in the NFL against the run, the Chargers front-seven was the reason the team missed out on the postseason.

With Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, and Christian Covington slated to hit the market in 2022, it could be possible that we see as many as three or four new defensive linemen with the Bolts next season. 

Ex-Seahawks and Chiefs DT Jarran Reed is a versatile defensive-linemen who I think could be a sneaky-good contributor along the Chargers front. After signing a one year, $5.5 million deal in Kansas City last season, the 29-year-old produced reasonable numbers next to Chris Jones this past season.

Reed tallied 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, 43 tackles, 2 TFL, and 12 QB hits in 2021, which happens to be slightly down from his production in Seattle. However, these totals did come with his lowest snap counts in the last four seasons. PFF still grades Reed's play as productive after he recorded marks of 84.9 and 82.2 in the Chiefs playoffs games against the Bills and Bengals. Both scores were good enough for the 3rd highest Chiefs grade in each game.

Given the Chiefs salary cap issues going forward, I find it unlikely the team is able to bring him back. After having a 'down' season during 2021 in the boxscore, Reed may be available at a cheaper salary number than what he got last offseason. If the Chargers can sign Reed to a one year, $4.5 million contract, then the versatile DL who's productive rushing the passer and against the run can bring a lot to the team moving forward.