The Chargers are set to enter free agency with the most salary cap available since Tom Telesco took over as general manager in 2013.
Even though the franchise has some in-house players that will need to get paid, there’s a great chance that Telesco and company will be aggressive in signing other soon-to-be free agents to bolster its roster.
With that being said, we are going to list one pending free agent from each team in the NFL that could be a realistic target for L.A.
Next up is the AFC East.
DT Folorunso Fatukasi, Jets
Fatukasi was disruptive against the run at UConn, and he has carried that over to the NFL over the last three years. This past season, he finished tied for third among defensive tackles in run stop win rate at 43%, according to ESPN. While not notorious for rushing the passer, he has shown flashes, posting 16 pressures and five quarterback hits on 282 pass-rush snaps. Further, he has consistently stayed healthy, logging defensive snaps of 507 in 2020 and 558 in 2021.
LB Ja’whaun Bentley, Patriots
Given the pressing need at cornerback, J.C. Jackson would have been slotted here. But since he’s expected to have a high price tag, I kept him off and went with a player who could supply depth to a linebacker room that might be losing Kyzir White, another free agent. Coming off a productive 2021 season, Bentley finished as the team’s leader in both tackles (111) and forced fumbles (3), and also registered nine combined quarterback pressures. Considering the offseason priority is adding players to help defend the run, Bentley is proven in this department. Further, he is a solid pass rusher and ascending in pass coverage.
DT Harrison Phillips, Bills
Another proven run-defending interior defensive lineman, you say? After starting the season outside the rotation and finding himself a healthy gameday scratch, Phillips eventually emerged as one of the unit’s most effective players, doing the dirty work by taking on blockers to allow things to open up for his fellow teammates and winning one-on-one matchups. Pro Football Focus rated him as Buffalo’s best defensive tackle and the 14th best in the NFL. In addition, he had the league’s sixth-highest run-defense grade (78.9).
TE Mike Gesicki, Dolphins
The Chargers need to address the tight end room with Jared Cook set to hit the market, and they could greatly benefit from Gesicki’s services. Arguably the best player at his position set to hit the market, Gesicki is fresh off the most productive season, as he recorded career highs in both receptions (73) and yards (780). While he isn’t adept as a blocker compared, Gesicki would be a threat down the seams that can be moved around as a mismatch. The cost will be the ultimate deciding factor, as he could command north of $10-11 million per year.
