JuJu Smith-Schuster among potential free-agent targets for Chargers
Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET.
Positional needs for Los Angeles Chargers: OL, ILB, WR
The Chargers are $19.9 million over the salary cap, per OverTheCap.com, so they must create space before free agency begins. Los Angeles probably will aim mostly for under-the-radar free agents to address concerns on offense and defense. Potential additions include:
Jawaan Taylor, RT, Jacksonville Jaguars
Per Pro Football Focus, starting RT Trey Pipkins allowed eight QB hits, tied for fourth most among RTs, and backup rookie Foster Sarell allowed a 10.1 percent pressure rate, second highest among RTs. In 17 games, QB Justin Herbert was sacked a career-high 38 times, tied for seventh most in the league.
Taylor, 25, could help solve the issue. He allowed a 2.5 percent pressure rate, the third lowest at RT. He could be a relatively cheap pickup. According to Spotrac, Taylor’s market value is a three-year deal worth $5.8M, 13th among RTs.
David Long Jr., LB, Tennessee Titans
Starting ILBs Drue Tranquil and Kyle Van Noy are free agents. If one of them leaves, Long Jr. would be a great replacement. Per PFF, he had the fourth-best run-defense grade (89) at his position, making him ideal for Los Angeles since its run defense ranked 28th.
Long played in the 3-4 base defense the Chargers use, mitigating scheme-adjustment concerns.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
WR doesn’t seem like an immediate need, but if the Chargers ignore the position, they’ll regret it later. In 2022, former Pro Bowler Keenan Allen, 30, missed seven games and recorded 66 receptions, 40 fewer than in 2021. Injury-prone Mike Williams hasn’t played an entire season since 2018.
Smith-Schuster, a former Pro Bowler, is only 26. After an injury-marred final season in Pittsburgh, he bounced back in Kansas City in 2022, recording 78 receptions, the third most in his career. It might take a long-term deal to pry him from the Chiefs.
“I would love to stay here,” he told Forbes.com earlier this season.
