The Los Angeles Chargers had a severely underwhelming–and frustrating–season, even with the success of franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.

The Chargers fired Anthony Lynn and brought over Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley to be their new head coach, and the atmosphere around the organization and the fanbase is as exciting as it's ever been since moving to LA.

The Chargers currently have the 13th overall pick in the draft and they have big free-agent decisions to deal with internally. However, General Manager Tom Telesco will be hard at work in an effort to bring this team an AFC West crown- and possibly a Super Bowl berth.

The Chargers cap space isn't too terrible, but that's all depending on the internal free agents they can either bring back or part ways with, so that will be telling.

The Chargers will have to make decisions on a number of free agents, including Melvin Ingram, Hunter Henry, Forrest Lamp, Denzel Perryman, and Mike Pouncey, among others.

Regardless, the Chargers have some serious issues, especially on the offensive line, and mock drafts everywhere have an offensive lineman of some sort heading to the Chargers at 13 overall.

While the NFL Draft is months away, let's examine a few free-agent targets that Telesco and Staley could target come March.

3. OL Brandon Scherff

Sure, the price for Scherff will be high, but the Chargers desperately need help up front. Sam Tevi, Forrest Lamp, and Pouncey are all questionable to return to the team next season, and Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga had injury-ravaged seasons in their first year in SoFi Stadium.

Chargers young rookie Justin Herbert had a fantastic year for LA, and protecting their franchise signal-caller needs to be priority number 1, 2, and 3 for the organization.

Scherff is a four-time Pro Bowler and allowed just one sack in 13 games for the Washington Football Team in 2020, and adding him to the Chargers line is a must if they want to compete in the AFC next year and for years to come.

2. CB Ronald Darby

The Chargers secondary had his moments without a doubt. However, Casey Hayward regressed and is due a big chunk of cash in 2021, so releasing Hayward could be a cost-saving option for LA. Chris Harris Jr. had an up-and-down first season in Charger Blue, and Micheal Davis did some nice things for Gus Bradley's group.

However, with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce being fixtures atop the AFC West for years to come, adding talent to the defense is a must.

https://twitter.com/MichaelKistNFL/status/1171092372589092864?s=20

The Chargers have Derwin James coming back from injury, and Joey Bosa remains one of the best pass rushers in all of football.

Coach Staley is ecstatic to take over a talented defense like the Chargers, and he just led the Rams to the top defense in all of football in 2020, so getting players on the defensive side of the ball is as evident as ever.

While Darby had a down year in 2020, his cost could be exactly what Telesco is looking for, and his versatility will be huge for Staley- who said he will be calling the plays on the defense.

Darby is still only 27 years old and has a few good years left, and Hayward came to the Chargers and improved immensely in his first few seasons as a Charger.

Even with Hayward back, a secondary of Darby, James, Hayward, Davis, and Harris Jr. can cause headaches for Mahomes and other quarterbacks that will have to face the Chargers- even more so with Staley and his top defensive scheme coming on board.

1. OL Joe Thuney

At this point, the Chargers should add any starting offensive lineman they can. The front line for the Chargers has been injured at a historic pace over the past few seasons, and Staley can't afford to have his star quarterback injured at any point in his career.

Thuney might come cheaper than Scherff and other big-name options, but make no mistake: Thuney can play.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
cG9zdDoyODA1NjYw-thumbnail

Alex House ·

The Chargers got big news on the running backs front.

Nick Meyer ·

Rome Odunze, Jim Harbaugh, 2024 NFL Draft, Chargers

Shane Shoemaker ·

He can play guard, tackle, or center, and that will be much needed with the neverending injuries the Chargers O-Line has faced in recent years. Thuney played every snap for the Patriots in every game last season except for two, and his ability to pass block and run block is the versatility new coach Staley would love to have on his team going forward.

With Herbert likely airing the ball out a ton, adding an established pass blocker like Thuney makes a ton of sense for the Chargers.

The Chargers have the weapons on offense to compete in the division, with Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler among some of the best at their respective positions.

Staley is an offensive-minded head coach- which he made clear in his introductory press conference, so imagining Herbert with time to throw can only do wonders for this Chargers team going forward.

What's Ahead

While the offensive line might not be the most attractive addition for many, it is absolutely necessary for any team in the NFL- especially the Chargers.

Herbert blew away numerous rookie records in 2020, and that was with questionable play-calling and endless injuries to the line, as well as Austin Ekeler, Allen, Hunter Henry, and Mike Williams all missing time due to injuries.

If Telesco and crew and protect Herbert, draft an OL, and add a CB in free agency, this team has the chance to give Kansas City a run for their money in 2021 and going forward in the Staley-era.