The Chargers have steadily been reconstructing their roster, signing Eric Kendricks and bringing back a few of their own.
Even though general manager Tom Telesco has done a good job piecing together a solid foundation in the early stages, plenty of work still needs to be done.
With that being said, here are the Bolts’ five biggest needs following the first wave of free agency:
Edge defender
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack’s time on the field in their first year together was short-lived after Bosa sustained a groin injury that kept him out for most of the season. While Bosa was out, the pass-rush production from the position group left a lot to be desired. Mack will be 32 when the 2023 season starts. Kyle Van Noy is a free agent. Chris Rumph has been a core special teamer, but he has not had much of an impact on defense. In a pass-happy league, you need players to disrupt quarterbacks consistently. The Chargers would benefit from a premier pass rusher, especially as they prepare for life after Mack.
Wide receiver
Mike Williams and Keenan Allen made an impact when he was on the field. But when they weren’t due to their respective injuries, their absences were felt significantly. Joshua Palmer made strides from his rookie to sophomore season. Jalen Guyton was not tendered and could be signed by another team. DeAndre Carter proved himself a viable option when injuries occurred to Allen and Williams and as the punt returner, but he is a free agent. Specifically, the Chargers lack speed at receiver and must address it to create more explosive plays in the passing game.
Tight end
Gerald Everett was a consistent piece in the passing game, finishing with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555). But the other guys in the tight end room were astray. Donald Parham appeared in six games after dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in training camp and a concussion. Tre’ McKitty was drafted in 2021 as an inline blocker, but he was underwhelming in that department and did not offer much value as a receiver. With Parham’s injury concerns looming and the stagnant status of McKitty, the Chargers would benefit from a complete player at the position to complement Everett in 2023 and take over as the No. 1 when Everett hits the free agency market after the upcoming season.
Safety
Nasir Adderley called it quits, as he announced his retirement last week. 2022 third-round pick JT Woods was taken with the idea of playing him as the deep safety to allow Derwin James to move all over the field. But that never came to fruition as Woods struggled as a tackler in the limited defensive snaps he played and was a non-factor defensively. As it stands, Alohi Gilman, who played well in 2022, is slated to be the starter alongside James. John Johnson, who is familiar with Brandon Staley’s system, is an option if they go that route in free agency.
Cornerback
J.C. Jackson’s status is unknown, as he is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon in Week 7. So with Jackson out of the action, Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. will be the starters on the outside. Ja’Sir Taylor is currently set to be the starting slot corner, with Bryce Callahan, a free agent. Taylor showed promise as a rookie, but he also experienced growing pains. However, the Chargers could still bring Callahan back. But at the moment, depth is needed inside and outside.
