Grading the Chargers' first wave of signings in 2024 free agency
By Jason Reed
Chargers grade for re-signing Alohi Gilman: B+
The Chargers re-signed Alohi Gilman early in the week after he had a breakout season for the team in 2023. Gilman proved that he is a starting-caliber safety in this league and for once the Chargers didn't let someone who had a breakout year walk away.
Gilman is going to play a very important role in this defense's success and fans should be excited about how new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can unlock him even further. Gilman never really seemed to be a great schematic fit for Brandon Staley's defense yet he still was able to produce.
The Chargers got a reasonable price on Gilman, signing him to a two-year, $11 million deal. If the Bolts got a slightly better hometown discount then this signing certainly would have received an A.
Chargers grade for re-signing Easton Stick: C-
Easton Stick proved last season that he is not good enough to rescue the season if Justin Herbert has to miss some time. After seeing how poorly he played last season, it is safe to assume that Stick will go 0-4 as a starter if he has to start four games in the middle of the season for Herbert.
That being said, his athleticism at least fits Greg Roman's offensive style more and if it came down to that situation then the Chargers would probably utilize him better than Kellen Moore did down the stretch of the 2023 season.
All that being said, it is pretty clear that the Chargers re-signed Stick because Herbert likes him and the team is just trying to make its star quarterback happy. For that reason and that reason alone, it does not receive a failing grade.