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We've just released Episode 107 of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast.
Our synopsis for Episode 107 is below:
TDU IS BACK IN TOWN! After a restful break, we return to the airwaves to discuss all the recent Chargers news and the team’s 2025 offseason plan. Oh yes, the Big Bear, Joey Bosa has been released. The Combine has come and gone. But there are still so many questions left for us to answer. Should other players be cut? Is a Metcalf Mega Trade on the horizon? Which free agents (internal or external) will Hortiz sign? We address it all on our first show of TDU Season 4. Don’t miss it!"
You can also listen on Spotify below (or download on audio wherever you like to listen to podcasts):
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Hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks so much for listening ![]()
Alister (@TDU_Alister)
I left my run late Stormcloud, but I'll share my offseason plan now that I've pieced it together. Discussed most of it on the show. Let me know what you think.
Extensions/Cuts
- Extend Rashawn Slater
- Due $19.04m in 2025. Can maintain similar cap hit under extension
- Sign to 5yr, $150m, $90m guarantee, $30m per year
- Wirfs 5yr, $140m, $88m guaranteed, $28.125m per year
- Penei Sewell 4yr, $112m, $85m guaranteed, $28m per year
- Trent Williams, $27.553m per year
- Christian Darrisaw, $26m per year
- Extend Khalil Mack
- Played for $19.883m per year in 3 seasons for Chargers
- Attempt to Sign to 2yr, $44m, $24m guaranteed
- Same pay as Trey Hendrickson and Bradley Chubb (11th and 12th highest paid edge rushers)
- Apparently numerous teams have trade interest (Bears, Bucs). Would to prefer to keep him unless price gets significantly higher than what I've offered
- Cut Bosa – $36.47m cap hit (save $25.36m)
- Cut Pipkins – $9.25m cap hit (save $6.75m)
- Could attempt to trade but I've seen enough
- Cut Gus Edwards – $4.25m cap hit (save $3.15m)
- Find RB2 in the Draft to pair with veteran
- Cut Bud Dupree - $3.625m cap hit (save $2.985m)
- Maybe controversial but I think you can find a better Edge 4 in free agency. I prefer Derek Barnett from the Texans.
Internal FAs
Players I would not attempt to re-sign
- QB Easton Stick (30yo, played for $2.667m in 2024)
- WR D.J Chark (29yo, played for $2.065m in 2024)
- WR Jalen Reagor (26yo)
- TE Hayden Hurst (32yp, played for $1.125m in 2024)
- Edge Chris Rumph (27yo)
- DT Morgan Fox (31yo, played for an average of $3.75m on last deal)
- LB Shaq Quarterman (28yo)
- CB Asante Samuel Jnr (26yo)
- CB Eli Apple (30yo)
- S Marcus Maye (32yo)
- C Brenden Jaimes (26yo)
- P J.K. Scott (29yo, played for $2m in 2024)
- I could be talked out of this one for the sake of continuity. I think we could find someone with higher upside in the Draft (eg, Australian James Burnip from Alabama)
Players I would attempt to re-sign.
The final 4 players I've listed I would offer a below market contract with a view that there are reasonable external FA replacements available. Happy to have them back at under market cost but think I would let them test the market.
- DT Poona Ford (30yo, played for $1.79m in 2024)
- Projected at 1yr, $3.5m
- Ridiculous variance in potential contract value.
- Played better in 2024 than these players who made $18m+ per season Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Jeffery Simmons, Quinnen Williams, Derrick Brown
- Drawing significant interest according to Popper. I would be happy to pay up to $13m per year for him (3 years with about half guaranteed)
- DT Teair Tart (28yo, played for $1.125m in 2024)
- Projected at 1yr, $2.5m
- LB Troy Dye (29yo, played for $1.79m in 2024)
- 1yr, $2m
- LB Nick Niemann (28yo)
- C Bradley Bozeman (31yo, played for $1.125m 2024)
- Back-up Center role
- WR Simi Fehoko (28yo)
- G Sam Mustipher (29yo)
- QB Taylor Heinicke (32yo, played for $2.53m in 2024)
- 1yr, $2.5m
- S Tony Jefferson (33yo)
- RB J.K. Dobbins (27yo, played for $1.61m in 2024)
- Projected at 2yrs, $7m ($4m guaranteed)
- WR Josh Palmer (26yo)
- Projected at 2yr, $13m ($7.25m guaranteed)
- LB Denzel Perryman (33yo, played for $2.3m in 2024)
- 1 yr, $2m
- CB Kristian Fulton (27yo, played for $2.445m in 2024)
- Projected at 2 yrs, $11.5m ($6.5m guaranteed)
- This would make him around the price of Rasul Douglas, Stephon Gilmore and Darious Williams.
- About the 29th highest paid corner.
- Among the 98 CBs PFF graded with at least 500 snaps, Fulton’s grade (68.9) ranked 34th
External FAs
These are players I like either because of their price point, scheme fit, or potential upside. I'm really only interested in the "Good Options". Some of the "Other Options" I could be tempted into but probably wouldn't approve (likely price point too high or I don't like the fit).
WR
- Good options:
- Darius Slayton (28yo, projected at 3yr, $37.5m ($25m guaranteed)).
- Explosive player with good YAC skills coming off a poor season (573 yds)
- In 6 seasons with the Giants had 3,989 receiving ds and 21 TDs (4x seasons > 700 yards)
- Mike Williams (30yo, projected at 1yr, $6m)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (30yo, projected at 1yr, $6m)
- Traded from Buffalo to New Orleans mid-season and made a big impact: 64 yds, 51 yds, 36 yds TD, 87 yds TD, 109 yds 2 TDs in a 5-game stretch
- Other options:
- Chris Godwin (29yo, projected at 3yrs, $60m ($40m guaranteed), played 397 snaps in 2024 before suffering season-ending ankle dislocation
- Stefon Diggs (31yo, projected at 1yr, $16m), played 430 snaps before suffering an ACL tear
- Keenan Allen (32.8yo)
- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (27.9yo)
- Bad options:
- Amari Cooper
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Marquise Brown
- Diontae Johnson
- Darius Slayton (28yo, projected at 3yr, $37.5m ($25m guaranteed)).
RBs
- Good options:
- Nick Chubb (29.1yo, coming off ugly 2023 knee injury, wasn’t himself in 2024 playing only 252 snaps, projected at 1yr, $3m)
- High risk, high reward. Between him and JK Dobbins I understand taking Dobbins but would be happy to take a calculated swing on Chubb plus draft a back early on Day 3
- Other options:
- Najee Harris (26.9yo, projected at 3yrs, $34.5m ($22.5m guaranteed), 2nd most rushing attempts since entering the league in 2021 (behind Derrick Henry), 4,316 yds (rank 5th int hat period, yards after contact places fourth. He’s available and versatile, but not explosive.
- Aaron Jones (30.2yp, projected at 2yrs, $14m ($8 guaranteed) coming off 1 yr in Minnesota where he had a 75.4 grade, 1,186 yds from 268 carries (4.4 ypc), 5 TDs, 5 Fumbles, 54 catches, 420 yds
- Bad options:
- Javonte Williams
WRs
- Good options:
- Darius Slayton (28yo, projected at 3yr, $37.5m ($25m guaranteed)).
- Explosive player with good YAC skills coming off a poor season (573 yds)
- In 6 seasons with the Giants had 3,989 receiving ds and 21 TDs (4x seasons > 700 yards)
- Mike Williams (30yo, projected at 1yr, $6m)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling (30yo, projected at 1yr, $6m)
- Traded from Buffalo to New Orleans mid-season and made a bit impact: 64 yds, 51 yds, 36 yds TD, 87 yds TD, 109 yds 2 TDs in a 5-game stretch
- Other options:
- Chris Godwin (29yo, projected at 3yrs, $60m ($40m guaranteed), played 397 snaps in 2024 before suffering season-ending ankle dislocation
- Stefon Diggs (31yo, projected at 1yr, $16m), played 430 snaps before suffering an ACL tear
- Keenan Allen (32.8yo)
- Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (27.9yo)
- Bad options:
- Amari Cooper
- DeAndre Hopkins
- Marquise Brown
- Diontae Johnson
- Darius Slayton (28yo, projected at 3yr, $37.5m ($25m guaranteed)).
TEs
- Good options:
- Evan Engram (30.5yo, former 1st round pick (23 overall) to the Giants in 2017). 6’3”, 240 pounds, 4.42s forty. 8 seasons in the NFL (5 with Giants, 3 with Jaguars). 140 targets in 2023 (114 catches, 963 yds, 4 TDs). Never eclipsed 1,000 yds in a season but often 700-900. 2024 had 62 targets, 47 receptions, 365 yds, TD (72.5 Grade). Played 9 games. Suffered a hamstring in Wk 1 and didn’t play Wks 2-5. Ruled out for the season after tearing his labrum in Wk 14 v the Titans. His cap hit in 2025 would’ve ben $19.49m (final year of backloaded deal, AAV $13.75m 6th highest paid TE).
- Other options:
- Mike Gesicki (29.4yo, 71.5 Grade in 2023 with Bengals, projected at 2yrs, $12m ($6.25m guaranteed). Big catch radius. Can’t run block. 65 catches, 665yds, 2 TDs in 2024. Has eclipsed 700 receiving yards in two previous seasons (7 year career). 23 career TDs. Big slot and RZ weapon.
- Juwan Johnson (28.4yo, projected at 3yrs, $29.5m ($17m guaranteed). Herbert’s teammate at Oregon. Run blocking grades below 55.0 past 3 seasons. Healthy player. 548 yards receiving last season, 3 TDs. Would be reasonably productive but keep us in realm of Jared Cook, Gerald Everett, Will Dissly calibre TEs.
- Bad options:
- Tyler Conklin
- Zach Ertz
- Austin Hooper
Center
- Good options:
- None. Prefer to enter the Draft with the plan being Zion/Bozeman unless something better materialises in the draft or post-draft via trade.
- Other options:
- Drew Dalman (26.3yo, 78.8 Grade in 2024 with Falcons, projected at 4yrs, $56m ($30m guaranteed). Great run blocker but different scheme and he’s 6’3”, 300 pounds. Former Stanford Cardinal. Football family (Dad Chris was a Center for the 49ers).
- Ryan Kelly (31.7yo, 67.0 Grade in 2024 with Colts. Underwent surgery on his knee hallway through 2024 and was mulling retirement. Projected a 2yrs, $19m ($8m guaranteed)
- Bad options:
- Coleman Shelton (Chicago)
Guard
- Good options:
- Kevin Zeitler (34.9yo, 1yr, $6.25m). 86.8 Grade for the Lions last season 1,047 snaps. 87.2 Run Blocking Grade. Plays exclusively at RG (13,494 career snaps cf 2 snaps at left guard). Spent 2021-2023 with the Ravens. Former First Round pick from Wisconsin drafted by the Bengals. Very balanced player. He’s basically never missed a game in 13 seasons. Lowest ever single season grade is 65.9. Always grades 75.0 or above. 6’4”, 340 pounds.
- Other options:
- James Daniels (27.4yo), projected at 1yr, $5.5m. 92.0 Grade for the Steelers last season from 209 snaps. Tore his achilles. Gap scheme fit. 6’4”, 327 pounds. Former Iowa Hawkeye taken by the Bears in Round 2 (Pick 39 overall) in 2018. Previous highest graded was 71.8 in 2021. He’s been a steady player who’s a better run blocker.
- Will Fries (26.9yo), projected at 4yrs, $57.25m ($30m). Way too high a price. 86.9 Grade from 268 snaps in 2024 for the Colts. Fractured his tibia in Wk 5 and missed the rest of the season. 6’6”, 305 pounds (thin for a tall guy). 84.9 Run Blocking Grade. 74.9 Pass Blocking Grade. Highest season grade before this year was 61.2 in 2024 where he played 1,125 snaps. Former Penn State Nittany Lion taken in the 7th
- Brandon Scherff (33.1yo, 1yr, $6m) 64.7 Grade for the Jaguars last year. Very sound gap scheme fit. 6’5”, 315 pounds. Run Blocking grade used to be a strength but has dropped off. Still steady in pass pro. 9,133 career snaps at Right Guard (never played anywhere else). 11 seasons in the NFL (8 with the Redskins as the 5th overall pick in 2015 Draft from Wisconsin). Last 3 seasons with Jacksonville.
- Patrick Mekari (27.5yo, 3yrs, $20.63m, $11m guaranteed). 6 seasons with the Ravens playing all over (but recently Left Guard). Has literally played more than 250 snaps at every spot on the line. Steady player but not a world beater. UDFA from California. 59.0 Grade last season, usually hovers between 62.0 and 70.0.
- Bad options:
- Mekhi Becton
- Aaron Banks (49ers)
- Will Hernandez (Cardinals)
- Dalton Risner (Vikings)
- Matt Pryor (Bears)
- Laken Tomlinson (Seahawks)
- Evan Brown (Cardinals)
- Trystan Colon (Cardinals)
CB
- Good options:
- J. Reed (28.2yo, Jets, projected at 3yrs, $42m ($27.5m guaranteed). 70.7 Grade last season. Perfect scheme fit. Zone corner who tackles well. 5’9”, 188 pounds. 4.51s forty. Former 5th round pick from Kansas State. 7 seasons. Always grade 75.0-80.0. Only 6 career INTs. But lockdown in coverage with only 59.6% of target being caught across his career. 2 TDs allowed on the season.
- Darius Slay (34.1yo, Eagles, due $24.92m in 2025 but cut, played for $13.76m in 2024). 71.9 Grade last season, 4 TDs allowed, 1x INT. Played every game and won the Super Bowl. 6’0”. 190 pounds, 4.36s forty, Former 2nd round pick from Mississippi State (Pick 36 to Lions), 12 seasons. Zone coverage specialist. 1x first-team All-Pro, 29 career INTs.
- Other options (good players questionable fit):
- Charvarius Ward (28.7yo, 49ers, projected at 3yrs, $43.5m ($25m guaranteed). 56.2 Grade last season but suffer a personal tragedy with baby daughter dying. Zone scheme probably not the right fit either, excelled with the Chiefs in a man heavy system (84.7 Grade in 2024, 5 INTs). 6’1”, 196 pounds. career INTs (2 last season). Reclamation project?
- Jaire Alexander (not cut yet) (28.1yo, Packers, due $24.96m in 2025 and $27.38m in 2026 – 3rd highest paid corner in the NFL). 75.2 Grade last season from 7 games (missed 2 games with a quad injury, and then struggled with a PCL). 5’10”, 196 pounds, 4.38s forty, Former 1st round pick from Louiseville (Pick 18 with the Packers), 7 seasons. Zone coverage specialist who’s a 2x second-team All-Pro and has 15 career INTs. Can still play but he’s missed at least 10 games in three of his last four seasons. Interesting character off the field too.
- Paulson Adebo (25.6yo, Saints, projected at 3yrs, $40m ($25m guaranteed). Broken femur ended season in Wk 7. Had 3 INTs to that point and a 63.3 Grade. Ball hawk with 10 INTs from 4 seasons. 6’1”, 192 pounds. Run Defense Grade is poor but doesn’t miss tackles. Former 3rd round pick from Stanford. A bit hit or miss in coverage because he’s susceptible to double moves. Gave up 100+ yards in 3 games this season
- Carlton Davis (28.1yo, Lions, projected at 3yrs, $42m ($25m guaranteed). 74.5 Grade last season before fracturing jaw in Wk 15. Steady man coverage corner who won a Super Bowl with Tampa. 6’1”, 206 pounds, 4.53s forty, Former 2nd round pick from Auburn. 7 seasons in the NFL, usually grades between 65.0 and 75.0. Solid in both phases. 11 career INTs (2 last season). Picked on in games v the Rams, Seahawks and Packers. 3 TDs allowed on the season.
- Bad options:
- Rasul Douglas (Bills)
- Byron Murphy Jnr (Vikings)
- Mike Hilton (Bengals)
- Stephon Gilmore (Vikings)
- Jonathan Jones (Patriots)
- Nate Hobbs (Raiders)
Safeties
- Safeties:
- Good options:
- None. Don't need one with three good Safeties under contract.
- Other options:
- Jevon Holland (Dolphins)
- Camryn Bynum (Vikings)
- Justin Reid (Chiefs)
- Justin Simmons (Falcons)
- Bad options:
- Talanoa Hufanga (49ers)
- Harrison Smith (Vikings)
- Tre’von Moehrig (Raiders)
- Jeremy Chinn (Commanders)
- Andre Cisco (Jaguars)
- Julian Blackmon (Colts)
LBs
- Good options (all upgrades on Perryman and will come down to comparative price point):
- Dre Greenlaw (49ers) (27.7yo, 49ers, projected at 1 yr, $6m). Missed all but 34 snaps in 2024 after suffering an Achilles tear in the previous year’s Super Bowl. Very good all-around LB. 6’0”, 230 pounds. Run Defence Grades of 78.0 in 2021-2022. Coverage grades of 79.5 and 82.6 from 2022-2023. 6 seasons of experience.
- Elandon Roberts (Steelers) (30.8yo, Steelers, projected at 1yr, $3.25m). 6’1:, 238 pounds. 525 snaps last year, 79.7 Overr Grade, 91.0 Run Defense Grade, 31 Run Stops (14.1% Missed Tackle Rate). 49.6 Coverage Grade. 9 Seasons in the NFL (Patriots/Dolphins/Steelers)
- Jamien Sherwood (Jets) (4 seasons for the Jets, projected at 2yrs, $15.5m ($8m guaranteed). 6’2”, 216 pounds. 73.8 Grade last season from 1,063 snaps (first seasons as starter). 77.1 Run Defense Grade. 2 sacks. 109 tackles, 59 Run Stops (10.7% Missed Tackle Rate)
- Other options:
- Lavonte David (Bucs)
- Robert Spillane (Raiders)
- Nick Bolton (Chiefs)
- Tyrel Dodson (Dolphins)
- Bad options:
- Bobby Wagner (Commanders)
- Ernest Jones (Seahawks)
- Eric Kendricks (Cowboys)
- Devin Bush (Browns)
DT
- Good options:
- Calais Campbell (Dolphins) (38.5yo, Dolphins, projected at 1yr, $3m). 6’8”, 282 pounds, 82.3 Grade last season from 616 snaps, 39 pressures, 5 sacks. 85.9 Run Defense Grade. 17 seasons in the NFL (3 in Baltimore from 2020-2022). 110.5 sacks. 3x All Pro, 6x Pro Bowl, Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2019. Still very good, versatile and fit makes too much sense.
- Other options:
- Milton Williams (Eagles) (26.0, Eagles, projected at 3yrs, $63m ($40m guaranteed). 6 sacks this season during regular season. Never eclipsed 50% of defensive snaps. 2 sacks in the Super Bowl. 76.5 overall grade. 6’3”, 290 pounds. Former 3rd round pick from Louisiana Tech (Pick 73 overall, 2021). This one looks to me like a massive overpay and potential bust signing even if he flashes brilliance. We can draft someone with similar upside in this elite DT class. Find our own Milton Williams.
- Tershawn Wharton (Chiefs)
- Bad options:
- J. Hill (Bengals)
- J. Jones (Broncos)
- Levi Onwuzurike (Lions)
- Jarran Reed (Seahawks)
- Sebastian Joseph-Day (Titans)
- Ta’Quon Graham (Falcons)
Edge
- Good options:
- Josh Sweat (Eagles) (27.9yo, projected at 3yrs, $54m ($32.5m guaranteed). 70.0 Grade last season. 8 regular season sacks. 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl. 6’5”, 265 pounds, 4.53s forty. Former 4th round pick (Florida State, 2018). 54 career sacks (had 15 in 2022). 7 seasons. Cap hit was $8.02m this season). 1x Pro Bowl. There is risk with this pick but he brings much needed juice and as long as the price doesn't get crazy, I'm interested. I would also be interested if the team decided to pull a trade for a superstar like Hendrickson, Parsons, Garrett as an alternative.
- Derek Barnett (Texans) (28.6yo, projected at 1yr, $4.25m). 74.2 Grade last season. 19 pressures, 5 sacks from 413 snaps. 73.9 Run Defense Grade. 6’3”, 259 pounds, 4.88s forty. Former 1st round pick (Pick 4 overall Eagles in 2017). 35 career sacks (8 seasons). Strong run defender but has never quite developed as a rusher.
- Other options:
- Hasson Reddick (Jets)
- Malcolm Koone (Raiders)
- Baron Browning (Cardinals)
- Chase Young (Saints)
- Dante Fowler Jr (Comannders)
- Josh Uche (Chiefs)
- Bad options:
- Dayo Odeyingbo (Colts)
- Azeez Ojulari (Giants)
- DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)
- Chauncey Golston (Cowboys)
- Matthew Judon Falcons)
- Dennis Gardeck (Cardinals)
- Charles Omenihu (Cheifs)
- Darrel Taylor (Bears)
- Brandon Graham (Eagles)
- Carl Lawson (Cowboys)
The other big topic right now is DK Metcalf v Davante Adams
I fall in the Davante camp. Some relevant stats below but, in a nutshell, I view Metcalf as a 'feast or famine' quite inefficient WR who's produced in Seattle because he gets a high volume share. He will likely see a significantly reduced volume in our Offense and when you factor in his salary demands plus what it would cost to acquire him, the risks start stacking up too high (for me). If he becomes a Charger though, I will try to see the upside and there is some.
Davante has become slightly less efficient with age, and some are concerned about his "Diva behaviour". But I think he'll be cheaper than Metcalf, won't cost draft capital to acquire, and nobody viewed this guy as a Diva when he was happy and dominating in Green Bay. I would expect his inner competitive beast to bring his best to bear playing for Jim Harbaugh in LA. He wins in ways we're sorely lacking (outside of McConkey) and his hands are reliable.
- DK Metcalf?
- Trading for DK Metcalf. He would be under contract only for 2025 at a cap hit of $10.875m. He would want an extension as part of the deal.
- 27yo, 6’3”, 229pounds, 74.3 Grade last season, 106 targets, 66 catches, 992 yds, 5 TDs (15.0ypc).
- 6 seasons, 464 catches, 6,775 yds, 53 TDs.
- 6 Drops in 2023, 5 Drops in 2022.
- CTC%: 36.6% in 2024 and 29.0% in 2023:
- REC%: 61.1% (2024 – 82nd of 112), 58.9% (2023 – 73rd of 96), 65.8% in 2022, 62.5% career.
- Incredible straight-line athlete.
- 152 targets (2022), 112 targets (2023), 108 targets (2024). McConkey had 124 targets last season (110 in regular season).
- #38 in YAC in 2024, #43 in Yards Per Route Run, #91 True Catch Rate (85.7%), #87 in Target Separation (PlayerProfiler).
- Win Rate v Man (#5 – 42.5%)
- Davante Adams?
- $38.25m cap hit in 2025 but Jets will cut him to save close to $30m in cap space. More likely a guy to be signed following release.
- yo, 6’1”, 215 pounds, 11 seasons in the NFL, 85 catches, 1,062 yds, 8 TDs last season for Raiders/Jets.
- He’s become less efficient over time. Rec% used to be 70% +, now 59-63%. True Catch Rate #53. #31 Yards Per Route Run.
- ADOT is 8.3yds (#84). Win Rate v Man (#26). Target Separation is #50.
See more analytics here.
Metcalf: https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/dk-metcalf/
Adams: https://www.playerprofiler.com/nfl/davante-adams/
Agree, Adams > Metcalf, all things considered. I do not view Adams as a diva. He definitely wants the ball and can get frustrated when he doesn't get it, but that is often when he doesn't get it because the QB can't get it to him. I don't think that latter aspect will be a problem with Herbert.
I prefer Metcalf to Adams as the much better fit for the Chargers. In 2020, the deep passing attack was a thing of beauty. Herbert's elite ability in that aspect of the game was on full display. It was the best part of our offense.
Unfortunately, for reasons escaping all understanding Telesco/Staley/Lombardi completely abandoned that approach in not valuing the retention of deep speed at WR.
We have a chance to fix that in part by securing the services of a strong and very fast X receiver in his prime in Metcalf in a year in which useful options at WR are limited in both the draft and free agency.
Our current offense focuses more on the intermediate and longer passing game than Lombardi's offense did because that kind of passing game is a superior complement to Roman's ground attack than the short passing game which takes place in the same vertical range as the ground game does.
Adams, by contrast, is 32 and will be in decline soon. Also, Adams has feasted on anticipatory back shoulder passes, which is not Herbert's strength because it never has had to be in light of his natural arm talent. I do not see a great fit with Adams either with Herbert or with what our offense could be.
I believe that a better idea would be to not only to acquire Metcalf, but also to draft Golden or Egbuka at 1-22 (assuming Egbuka runs in the 4.3s) and to follow that up by selecting one trick pony Deont'e Thornton late in the draft (possibly even round 7).
I would sign Evan Engram.
Not only will speed everywhere force defenses to remain honest, which should help both the running game and McConkey, but it should also help create mismatches that can be exploited with slower defenders being forced to keep pace with faster receivers, something very different than has been the case with Allen, Williams, Palmer, et cetera, who are typically not going to beat defenders downfield with any regularity.
In my world, Palmer would be gone. Johnston would get to develop as one heck of a WR4. Thornton would be the do not break glass except in case of emeregency WR5 or even WR6 with Davis getting some occasional run. I do not have much faith in Rice or any other WRs.
I do realize that even if we re-sign our own, we have or could potentially have needs at C, RG, TE, EDGE, DT, RB and CB that require attention. I would re-sign Dobbins, Ford and Tart. I would not pursue/release Samuel, Palmer, Pipkins. I would consider re-signing Bozeman and Perryman as depth on team friendly deals. I would pursue a good EDGE (Young, Sweat) in free agency. I like the previously discussed notion of signing Kelly and Fries.
As for the draft, I like the scarce good WR at 1-22 as noted above. I really like Tyler Warren and like Jeanty, but they will not be there at 1-22. Honestly, I think skillsets similar to Loveland's can be acquired later in the draft, so I do not think we need to go there at 1-22 despite the "bazillion" mock drafts that have us going that way. I think there are good EDGE players in the round 2-3 range. I would love for us to be able to get both Bhayshul Tuten (like the idea of having a second homerun hitter at RB if we re-sign Dobbins) and a good C on day 3, but I have reservations about that as a possibility.
Anyway, that is my $.02.
Cancel the debate. Both are gone.
On to Darius Slayton discussions, it seems.
Only have a brief moment, but wanted to do a quick post:
Great job on the podcast. I am continually impressed (and a little embarrassed) that three dudes from Australia know more about football than I do.
I agree with the assessment of Metcalf. No way he was worth 5/$150. That's crazy. Its also crazy that the Bills paid Palmer 3/$36. Good time to be a WR. I guess the focus for the Chargers now is draft & develop.
Good deal retaining Mack. Makes sense for both sides.
Ford going to the Rams for 3/$30 is a bit frustrating. I would rather have kept him for that price, but the plan now has to be drafting 2 or more interior DL in a very deep draft. That and resigning Tart.
WTF are the Chargers going to spend their cap on? Has to be interior OL.
Feeling fairly frustrated and impatient right now.
We can wait for the overpriced first coupla days to pass. It isn't the end of times. We got Mack back, and at a real bargain.
Thanks, Khalil!
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