What the Chargers offseason could look like if they copy the Bengals

Defensive linemen that the LA Chargers spend big on in free agency:

The Cincinnati Bengals made two big signings to the defensive line in the offseason last. The team signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $60 million deal that had a $12.48 million cap hit in 2021. Cincy also signed defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi to a one-year, $6.2 million deal. Together, the Bengals spent just shy of $18.7 million in cap space on two new additions to the defensive line.

The Chargers are going to have a bit more to spend than the Bengals and can spend a bit more on the defensive line, which is a need. There are two players who the Chargers could target to spend a similar amount and make a big difference on the defensive line.

Sebastian Joseph-Day, DT

Sebastian Joseph-Day is one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the league and would be someone who would instantly help the Chargers run game. He is young and will reset the line of scrimmage for years to come in Los Angeles. Bring back Justin Jones and draft a defensive tackle in the third round and the Bolts would look much better upfront.

Pro Football Focus projects Joseph-Day to get a three-year, $24 million deal. The Chargers can obviously manipulate it but for simplicity's sake, we will say he carries an $8 million cap hit in 2022.

Haason Reddick, EDGE

Haason Reddick hits the open market after a great season with the Carolina Panthers. While Uchenna Nwosu came into his own in the second half of the season, Reddick is the more versatile edge rusher with a higher ceiling (who is also still young). Re-signing Nwosu is definitely on the table, but Tom Telesco did indicate that they are rebuilding in the trenches.

PFF projects Reddick to get a three-year, $35 million deal in 2022. That would be a cap hit of $11.67 million. Once again for simplicity's sake, we will round up and say the Bolts spend $20 million in cap space on these two players, which is barely more than the Bengals spent.