The Los Angeles Chargers appear to have most of their depth chart finalized, as they are trying to remove the stench of a season that featured a blown 27-0 lead in the postseason. As such, names like Bryce Callahan remain unsigned despite a fairly productive season last year.
Callahan, who started 11 games, set new career-best marks in tackles with 47 while picking off three passes. In a year when the prized free agent signing in former Patriots CB JC Jackson did nothing but disappoint and get hurt, Callahan played a part in making sure Brandon Staley's defense held up for most of the year.
The Chargers have around $12 million in cap space to fool around with before the season starts, and the front office would do well to use some of that space to sign a player who has already proven to be a worthwhile slot cornerback in this league (if a bit inconsistent).
However, Callahan remains looking for gainful employment, making him arguably the most effective defensive free agent that is still out there on the market. With the Chargers still in need of one more defensive player that can help them stand out in a crowded AFC West, could a Callahan reunion make sense?
Bryce Callahan in his first two games with the Chargers:
— PFF (@PFF) September 16, 2022
⚡️ 65 coverage snaps
⚡️ 3 catches allowed (21 yards)
⚡️ 1 INT
⚡️ 6.3 passer rating allowed pic.twitter.com/45vA6R5mbX
Can the Chargers bring back Bryce Callahan?
2022 sixth-round pick Ja'Sir Taylor figures to compete for some of the nickel and dime backer spots alongside Michael Davis and a host of undrafted names. Callahan would immediately give LA four NFL-caliber corners in a division that features Patrick Mahomes twice every season.
Callahan signed a three-year contract worth just under $21 million with the Broncos a few seasons ago, and he played like someone that is in that pay range. After signing a very cheap deal with the Chargers, he managed to perform above expectations.
If the Chargers can make the money work out, he makes almost too much sense from a competitive perspective.
Callahan is likely not going to win or lose one single game this season (barring an unfathomably stupid mistake on his part), but he is one of the few players from last year's team who kept stepping up at a time when the defense would stagnate for large chunks of game time. If the money is right, why not give him a whirl?