Ever so quietly, the Los Angeles Chargers have made some pretty good moves in free agency. Should Kansas City Chiefs fans be worried about the Bolts?
It’s Patrick Mahomes‘ world and we’re just living in it.
That may be true, but the Kansas City Chiefs are firmly the hunted in the AFC West. The reigning Super Bowl champions are favored to win the division yet again, as well as vie for a shot at repeating in Tampa next February.
However, are Chiefs fans aware of the marvelous job Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is doing this free agency period? Should Chiefs fans be worried?
So far, Telesco has made three marquee signings. He brought over offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga from the Green Bay Packers, defensive tackle Linval Joseph from the Minnesota Vikings and was able to pry cornerback Chris Harris Jr. away from the division rival Denver Broncos. Bulaga improves the offensive line, while Joseph and Harris bolster the defense.
Though none of those signings will individually be the difference in the Bolts making a charge up the AFC West hierarchy, it’s hard to deny to impact all three will have on the team collectively in 2020.
But no, Telesco did more than just sign three marquee free agents this spring.
The Chargers general manager opted to use the franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry, who would have made a killing on the open market. He surely would have driven up the price range for he and former Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper who signed with the Cleveland Browns. Keeping Henry around will help the Chargers usher in a new era of franchise quarterback.
Yes, Philip Rivers has played his last game for the Chargers, as the long-time starter signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts in his free agency. The Chargers will probably look for Rivers’ long-term replacement with the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. They could roll with Tyrod Taylor next season or they could still sign a veteran free agent or trade for one if they feel so inclined.
Telesco has already restructured linebacker Denzel Perryman‘s deal and has seen Melvin Gordon‘s market dwindle in the coming days. He could come back, but it won’t be for the same amount he was expecting to get in his impending free agency. Also, the Chargers have tendered their other running back Austin Ekeler this offseason.
Overall, the Bolts are making some solid moves.
So should Chiefs fans be worried about the Chargers? Not in 2020, no.
However, we’ve seen good moves made by all three of their division rivals this offseason. The Broncos made moves in free agency to get better and so too did the Las Vegas Raiders. Ultimately, the Chargers only feel like a quarterback away from being playoff viable again.
They’ll solve this glaring issue here soon.