Chargers general manager Tom Telesco held a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he discussed the roster’s state as it stands and several items about their upcoming offseason.
Here are some of the top takeaways from the session with reporters:
Tight-lipped Tom
Telesco is notorious for not giving out too much information regarding future plans, and it was no different this time around. Specifically, when asked about whether or not the Chargers would pick up Jerry Tillery’s fifth-year option this offseason, Telesco made it clear that all the contract plans will be talked about down the road, adding the team is just focused on the Combine.
Mike Williams
Williams is the Chargers’ hottest commodity, as it remains to be seen if he will be franchise tagged, re-signed to a long-term extension, or let go of. By no surprise, Telesco did not offer much information. “No updates right now. I talked about after the season what an impact he makes on our football team.” However, when asked if he’d prefer to extend Williams, he said, “Sure, the preference would be that.”
Continuing to build around Justin Herbert
Herbert has proven that he is the real deal, and now the team must do whatever it takes to get the most optimal supporting cast to make a run. Telesco concurs. “I want to make sure on offense we don’t take a step back,” adding the goal is to protect Herbert and find him more weapons. Whether or not Williams is back, the Chargers need to add a speed/yards-after-catch receiver and a starting right tackle.
Has the resources
The Chargers are set to enter this offseason with $56.3 million in salary-cap space, the third-most in the NFL. While retaining their own takes priority, Telesco feels like they can make some splash signings in free agency. “We can be aggressive in free agency because we have the cap space and a quarterback on a rookie deal”
Bryan Bulaga
Telesco said that Bryan Bulaga’s future with the Chargers is “undetermined right now.” After signing to a three-year deal, Bulaga played just 20.7% of the possible offensive snaps because of injuries in his first two seasons with the team. If released, they would create $10.8 million in cap space.
The tight end position
Telesco addressed the state of the tight end position, highlighting that he liked what the young players, Donald Parham, Stephen Anderson and Tre’ McKitty, were able to do. However, he added “that room may not be complete right now,” suggesting the team may look to free agency or the draft to add another player. Further, it is unclear if Jared Cook, a pending free agent, will be re-signed or not.
Backup to Austin Ekeler is a priority
The Chargers were able to get a lot out of Ekeler, who totaled 20 touchdowns. But the production out of the guys behind him was underwhelming. Justin Jackson flashed when he was on the field, but injuries derailed him. Now a pending free agent, the chances of him being back are slim. On the other hand, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree did not do much when they were called upon. “We need more from that spot for our offense to continue to evolve,” Telesco said. As opposed to relying on the draft, adding someone with a proven resume via free agency may be the best bet.
Solidifying special teams
While the majority of the attention is on what the Chargers will do to address the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, shoring up the special teams units is just vital, as kicker Dustin Hopkins, returner Andre Roberts and gunner Ryan Smith are all pending free agents. Telesco emphasized that new special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken will be heavily involved in the process to improve that unit. Ficken recently served as the Vikings ST coordinator and worked with notable guys like Cordarrelle Patterson in the past.
