Ranking all of the Chargers offseason moves by impact

7. Releasing Bryan Bulaga

A move that was all but inevitable when it came to what the Chargers were going to do this offseason, releasing right tackle Bryan Bulaga was a big move. Freeing up $10.7 million in cap space from the release is allowing them to make lots of other moves to further improve the roster.

In 2020, when Bulaga signed in Los Angeles, there was a lot of excitement, as there were hopes that the offensive line was moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, Bulaga has been plagued with injuries since joining the Chargers, missing a total of 23 games since his signing. Releasing him will allow the Chargers to move on from him and replace him with someone younger with more potential, maybe somebody like Trevor Penning in the upcoming NFL Draft.

6. Signing Troy Reeder

Replacing Kyzir White was a given at some point during free agency, but was not sure whether this would occur before or during the NFL Draft. A player that Brandon Staley has coached before, Troy Reeder has the ability to be a great fit in his defense. Reeder started in almost half the games for Staley in 2020 with the Rams, and it is safe to say Staley liked what he saw as he wants him back in his defensive scheme in the 2022 season.

Reeder has the potential to help the run defense, as he posted almost 100 tackles last season with the other team in Los Angeles. Not just against the run, his ability to bring pressure on blitz packages as well as cover receivers will allow Staley to use him in a lot of different places. A cheap signing, but a very important role that needed to be filled puts Reeder at six on this list.

5. Signing Gerald Everett

Tight ends are one of the most important positions in football, as you see players like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews vastly improve the offenses that they are on. After the departure of Hunter Henry, Tom Telesco has tried to find a good replacement that will work well with Justin Herbert and the rest of the offense, with the signing of Jared Cook last year being the most recent. Cook had a decent year, posting 564 yards and four touchdowns with the Bolts last year. However, moving on to a younger player like Gerald Everett could be very beneficial for years to come.

Gerald Everett, an ex-Rams and Seahawks player, is a very good addition to the offense. At the age of 27, his numbers have gone up every year since he has been in the league. Putting up very similar numbers to Jared Cook during his 2021 campaign bodes well for Everett, as he looks to improve year in and year out. A player that can play alongside Donald Parham, as he has proved with playing alongside Tyler Higbee for the Rams, shows that Everett can fit very well with the Chargers this year.