3 big-name free agents the Chargers could sign after restructures
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers needed to free up money to be cap compliant and the team did so much more than just that. After starting $20 million over the 2023 salary cap, the Chargers are now $19 million below the cap after restructuring Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
There are more moves that can be made as well. Matt Feiler is the most obvious cut candidate in the world and that would free up an additional $6.5 million. The team could also try to free up money on Gerald Everett's deal, or cut Dustin Hopkins with a post-June 1 designation.
The team still needs to factor in the draft class pool and an in-season budget but as it stands right now, LA has about $12.8 million in true free-agency spending space. That number would grow to $19.3 million with a Feiler cut.
Did the Chargers free up this space to run it back with the same players, or are they creating room to sign some big names? If it is the latter, there are three big-name free agents that could make sense for the team.
Big-name free agents the Chargers could sign after restructures:
1. Bobby Wagner
There were already existing rumors that the Chargers were interested in Bobby Wagner before the team made the bold restructures. At the time, Wagner seemed like an impossible get for the Chargers and now he seems somewhat likely.
Wagner could be a one-year replacement option for Drue Tranquill if the Bolts don't want to lock a linebacker up to a multi-year deal. At this point in his career, Wagner is likely only getting one-year deals and that is a benefit for the Chargers.
Pro Football Focus projects Wagner to get a one-year, $6.5 million contract this offseason. That will be similar to the same salary that Tranquill gets but without the multi-year commitment. If the team wants to invest in linebacker but does not want to give Tranquill multiple years then Wagner very well could be the guy.