The LA Chargers have several impending free agents this offseason. Some have already returned to the team (like Trey Pipkins on a steal of a contract, keep in mind) while others are still weighing their options in the free-agent market.
With Drue Tranquill likely departing after the team signed Eric Kendricks, the biggest impending free agent for the team is defensive lineman, Morgan Fox. Heck, you could argue that Fox was always the second-most important free agent after Pipkins because of his pass-rushing presence.
Fox is yet to sign with a team as Chargers fans patiently wait for their favorite team to bring him back. The Bolts are not sitting on a pile of cash, though, so they are limited in what they could offer Fox in free agency this offseason.
If Fox ends up getting what his trainer Eddy McGilvra is pounding the table for then the Bolts might not be able to bring him back after all.
It’s gotta be in the 8-10M a year range. Look at the market for the production. At 28 years old… he’s set up for another big run. https://t.co/7RjrI3DU0D
— Coach Ed (@DlineCoachEd) March 15, 2023
It goes without saying that McGilvra is just a private trainer that works with Fox, not his agent. But if Fox has people close to him saying that he is worth this much then that is probably in the ballpark of what the 28-year-old is asking for.
Morgan Fox's price might be too high for the Chargers.
After signing Kendricks, Pipkins, Easton Stick and cutting Matt Feiler, the Chargers might not be able to afford this kind of contract for Fox. Logistically speaking, the team could make it work and get under the salary cap with this kind of deal but there are other moves to consider.
Los Angeles still needs to bring in more receiver help as there are only three wide receivers on the depth chart right now. The team is also reportedly in the mix for Dalton Schultz and if that were to happen then there is no way that Fox would be able to return at that price.
Throw in the sudden Austin Ekeler trade request and it is apparent that Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley have a lot on their plate. Negotiating against themselves for Fox is not something that is in the best interest of the team.
Los Angeles is probably trying to get Fox at a cheaper price as well. Pro Football Focus projects the pass-rusher to get a three-year, $18.75 million contract ($6.75 million per year). It may not seem like much, but getting Fox's deal in the $6-7 million range as opposed to the $8-10 million range can make a big difference.
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Or maybe that is even too expensive for the Chargers if they have bigger plans in mind. Regardless, Fox's price and market are starting to become clear and that makes it seem less likely that he will be in the powder blue next season.