The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season, as they went just 5-11 in the face of Super Bowl expectations.
Perhaps those expectations were a bit lofty, as the Chargers never even resembled legitimate contenders at any point in 2019.
Now, Los Angeles will be entering an offseason full of questions, with the No. 1 query being whether or not it will bring back Philip Rivers.
The Bolts will probably draft a quarterback regardless, because Rivers is 38 years old, but it will be interesting to see if LA opts to re-sign him.
The Chargers also have plenty of other needs to address, so here are three free-agent targets for Los Angeles.
3. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle
I know, I know. He isn't the same player he once was, and he doesn't exactly have the best reputation.
But with Brandon Mebane having a terrible 2019 campaign and being 35 years old and the Chargers struggling to get to the quarterback as a whole outside of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, defensive tackle is a pretty big need.
And for as much as Suh has declined, he made Aaron Donald's job a heck of a lot easier in 2018 when Donald racked up a career-high 20.5 sacks, and this year while with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he helped Shaquil Barrett break out and total 19.5 sacks.
So maybe he is still an impactful player after all?
Suh should also be fairly inexpensive, which is always nice.
2. Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle
Offensive line has been a glaring need for the Chargers for quite some time now, and they continue to fail to address it.
To be fair, LA had some health issues along the offensive line in 2019, as center Mike Pouncey was knocked out for the season after five games due to a neck injury and left tackle Russell Okung missed a chunk of time due to a scary pulmonary embolism, but even if those two come back healthy for 2020 (which is a huge “if”), Los Angeles needs more offensive line help.
Jack Conklin would be a fine addition, as he would fill a huge need at right tackle, and at just 25 years old, he has ample room to grow.
Conklin was a First-Team All-Pro during his rookie campaign with the Tennessee Titans back in 2016, and outside of an injury-riddled 2018, he has remained a steady presence along the Titans' offensive line ever since.
1. Joe Thuney, Offensive Guard
The interior of the Chargers' offensive line may be an even bigger problem than the exterior.
Outside of Pouncey (whose career may be in jeopardy), the inside of LA's line is horrendous, and if the Chargers (who should have decent cap room) don't invest in improving it this offseason, I'll be shocked.
Joe Thuney may end up being the best option available.
While he has never made a Pro Bowl during his four-year NFL career, he has never missed a game, starting every contest for the New England Patriots and helping them win a couple of Super Bowls.
Given how many injuries the Bolts had to do deal with in 2019, you would think durability will be a top priority for them when considering free agents.
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