DT Morgan Fox: 1 year, $1.2 million ($100k guaranteed)
Morgan Fox was a post-draft May signing after the Chargers wanted to add some competition to the defensive tackle room in camp. In real-time, he was also signed two weeks after Los Angeles turned down the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jerry Tillery.
The Chargers ended up cutting Tillery mid-season and experienced intense attrition across the entire defensive line. In the midst of all the chaos, Fox had 40 pressures and seven sacks. Both were career highs for him and he was second on the team in sacks to only Mack with eight.
Fox was an integral piece to the Chargers' defense that they could not have survived without. For near league minimum, LA got way higher pass-rush production than they paid for with this deal. It's amazing to think that he has an argument for the best external free agent signing after being such a relative afterthought financially.
Morgan Fox signing grade: A
CB Bryce Callahan: 1 year, $1.2 million ($150k guaranteed)
Like Fox, Bryce Callahan was another post-draft signing. The Chargers came away with late-round cornerbacks in Ja Taylor and Deane Leonard, but still had a hole at starting slot cornerback after letting Chris Harris Jr. walk.
Bryce Callahan fit in Brandon Staley's defense like a glove and the Chargers got a steal on the market. Part of the reason there was decreased interest in Callahan last offseason was the injuries he went through in Denver, but he largely stayed healthy and provided great value for the Bolts this year. For near league minimum, he played the part of a Top 10 slot cornerback.
Considering the Jackson injury and how the outside cornerbacks got reshuffled throughout the season, Callahan's consistency in the slot can not be overstated in its importance.
Bryce Callahan signing grade: A