Dream reunion with former All-Pro is now on the table for the Chargers

Just like the last few offseason before it, this offseason is really shaping out to be a special one for the LA Chargers. However, this time it feels different as it won't just be empty hype that leads to a bad season. With Jim Harbaugh leading the way, the Chargers are entering a new era and establishing a new culture.

Anything else that happens the rest of the offseason is gravy. Any free agent or draft additions that boost the roster will just be ancillary on top of the Harbaugh hire. Hiring Harbaugh was the most impactful thing the Chargers could have done this offseason.

All that being said, there are still some really exciting opportunities for the Chargers in the offseason. One new opportunity just emerged as the Chargers could now theoretically reunite with a former fan favorite who was an All-Pro with the Chargers as Adrian Phillips has been released by the New England Patriots.

Chargers' dream reunion with Adrian Phillips is now on the table

Adrian Phillips was a very important member of the 2018 Chargers as he moved around the defense and was named an All-Pro for his play on special teams. At such a young age, it was accepted that Phillips would become a fundamental piece of the Chargers defense moving forward.

Except that was not the fact. Tom Telesco allowed Phillips to walk for cheap in free agency to the confusion of every single Chargers fans. The duo of Derwin James and Phillps didn't get to play more than one season together as every fan was left wondering what could have been.

Phillips went to New England and became a hugely impactful member of Bill Belichick's defense. It was the most predictable thing ever to watch Phillips excel for a coach like Belichick when the Chargers easily could have re-signed him for what still would have been a great price.

Phillips is older now and he is not playing at the same level that he once was, hence why the Patriots were willing to make him a cap casualty. That being said, Phillips is still only 31 years old and has something to offer to the right team.

Phillips did not play much on defense for the Pats in 2023 as the team was shifting to a younger core. But with the Chargers needing depth, Phillips could come it at an extremely cheap price and provide quality playing time under Jesse Minter. He isn't someone who will play every snap but as a third safety in a rotation, he can bring a lot of value.

Plus, even in his older age, Phillips is still versatile and can line up all around the defensive side of the ball. The Chargers are not going to be able to add a lot of depth in every area of the secondary so adding a versatile leader like Phillips is a smart move.

And at the very least, Phillips can be an impactful player on Ryan Ficken's special teams while being a leader in the locker room. Harbaugh is trying to change the culture of the franchise and bringing back a fan favorite who knows what it takes to be successful would be a huge step in accomplishing that.