The Los Angeles Chargers are heading into what figures to be a franchise altering offseason needing to fill several key needs.
For the past 16 years, the Los Angeles Chargers were led by quarterback Philip Rivers. He has been the one constant linking the days of LaDainian Tomlinson and Shawne Merriman to the current roster.
However, Rivers days as the Chargers quarterback seem to be numbered. He is enter next season at the age of 38 coming off a less-than stellar year.
The Chargers must evaluate the quarterback situation and decide if it’s time to make a change. This would bring about several different options including surveying the free-agent market for potential fits.
Los Angeles could potentially let Rivers walk and sign a cheaper bridge quarterback and draft someone with the No. 6 overall pick in April.
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According to Spotrac, the Chargers have over $50 million to spend in free agency. This is a solid amount of open space, but things get a little tight if they decide to bring Rivers back.
5. Jordan Howard, Running Back
The Chargers played hardball with running back Melvin Gordon when it came to a possible long-term extension. This resulted in Gordon missing several games and ultimately the emergence of Austin Ekeler as a key part of the offense.
Gordon is a free agent and it seems unlikely that he’ll be back with the Chargers next season. This creates an opening at the position.
Ekeler’s strengths are as a receiver out of the backfield. He’s a prototypical third-down back who can be used all over the field. Los Angeles could use some power behind the smaller Ekeler. Jordan Howard is someone who fits that bill.
Howard is a downhill runner who uses his size and strength to move the pile. He’s someone who is use to working in a timeshare and wouldn’t cause waves when it came to playing time. Ekeler and Howard are two backs who could even be on the field at the same time.
This isn’t a splash move, but it serves as a low-cost option at a position with some need of depth.