2021 Chargers Free Agent Signings

The entire coaching staff minus a select few were replaced, and a new era was thrust into action. The Chargers cut Casey Hayward and decided not to use the franchise tag on Hunter Henry. In hindsight, neither of those moves were very surprising.

With Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, and Keenan Allen manning the offense, the Bolts needed to make some moves to get Herbert some protection up front. They decided to release Trai Turner, cutting their losses after he spent much of the year injured in his first season in Los Angeles.

Now, this is where the fun begins. The Chargers shocked a lot of people on the first day of free agency, especially Chargers fans who had grown impatient with Tom Telesco’s absence of moves during the first day of free agency.

With that being said, here’s a rundown of what the Chargers have done so far in free agency. Let’s examine each Chargers free agent one by one.

Chargers Free Agent Boom:

Corey Linsley | C

The Chargers have done it! Finally, after years of begging, pleading, and praying, Telesco shelled out big-time money for one of the best offensive linemen available. In fact, Corey Linsley was the top center available on the market and the Chargers wasted no time. The Chargers inked Linsley to a huge five-year deal worth $62.5 million, snagging the top center on the market to fulfill their offseason wish list- protect Justin Herbert.

This move sent Chargers fans into a frenzy, excited as ever after the 2020 season was- once again- full of injuries, especially to the offensive line. Linsley can do it all and his veteran presence will help immensely as Herbert aims to make strides in his sophomore campaign in the NFL. This might be the best Chargers free agent move in a long time.

Chargers Free Agent Bargain:

Matt Feiler | G/T

This wasn’t as big as a move as the Linsley signing. However, the Bolts signed Matt Feiler to a cheap deal worth $7 million per year and his ability to play both guard and tackle positions will help this team a lot, especially given their injury history.

He played with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year and slid over to the guard from tackle and did rather well, considering the circumstances and the change of positions. However, it’s very unlike Telesco to add two OL, but it really happened.

Chargers Free Agent Steal:

Michael Davis | CB

The Chargers brought back one of their own in Michael Davis, and they did it at a bargain price, especially considering some of the other deals for corners this year.

He will slot in as the number one option in Staley’s new defense, and at the price tag of a three-year, $15 million guaranteed deal, they simply couldn’t pass that up given his production last season. To the surprise of many, Davis was the best corner to wear a Chargers uniform last season and that’s saying a lot. They had Hayward and Chris Harris Jr., two veterans, but it was Davis who was the best one all year and he earned his contract.

Chargers Free Agent Gamble:

Jared Cook | TE

Last but not least, for now. The Chargers let Henry walk, and a good thing too, considering he got a huge contract with the New England Patriots. They snagged Jared Cook on a one-year deal worth $7 million, and his familiarity with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi from their time with the New Orleans Saints largely was a reason he ended up signing in LA as a free agent for the Chargers.

Many say Cook regressed in 2020 and that’s a fair assessment. Still, the veteran finished with 37 catches for 504 yards and seven scores in the Saints offense that was full of weapons, and also without Drew Brees for a part of the season.

Cook isn’t Henry, obviously. But for the cheaper price, the Chargers get a stop-gap option at tight end and perhaps a perfect guy to groom their next franchise tight end, whether it’s Donald Parham or somebody in the draft.

Thanks for reading my article on the Chargers free agent acquisitions! For more great content follow me on Twitter @wadleigh_matt24.

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