The LA Chargers have had a rather subdued offseason in terms of acquiring new talent, but they made a savvy move by signing wide receiver D.J. Chark late on Thursday. Chark, a former 1,000-yard receiver with the Jaguars in 2019, brings speed and a deep-threat dimension that complements Justin Herbert’s exceptional arm talent.
Despite the promising addition of Chark and a bolstered roster after the NFL Draft, the Chargers still have some gaps to fill. Considering this, let’s explore two additional free agents the Chargers should consider signing to conclude Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural offseason as head coach.
- DL Calais Campbell
The Chargers curiously only used one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on their defensive line: Justin Eboigbe from Alabama, a 2023 First-Team All-Sec selection. While he aims to provide immediate depth along the defensive front, it would benefit LA to add more seasoned expertise in that area.
Enter Calais Campbell. Despite being in his age-36 season, Campbell remained as disruptive as ever last season for the Falcons. He boasted an 80.2 run-defense grade (fourth among IDL) and recorded 36 defensive stops against the run, according to Pro Football Focus.
READ ALSOLos Angeles Chargers’ Controversial Draft Choice: Joe Alt and the Debate Over Priorities
Additionally, Campbell tallied 6.5 sacks, his highest since 2019, along with 10 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits, and 45 pressures. With the ability to excel at defensive tackle and on the edge, the six-time Pro Bowler would furnish the Chargers with crucial experience on the interior and added firepower on the edge, complementing Khalik Mack and Joey Bosa.
- CB Stephon Gilmore
While the Chargers astutely selected two cornerbacks on the later rounds of the NFL Draft, their cornerback unit remains one of the less inspiring in the league. Fifth-round pick Cam Hart from Notre Dame didn’t concede a single touchdown last season and could emerge as a significant contributor in his rookie year under Jesse Minter’s defensive scheme.
However, the problematic signing of J.C. Jackson leaves the Chargers in a predicament at cornerback. Fortunately, Stephon Gilmore, whom the Cowboys are hesitating to re-sign, is available. Gilmore stepped up significantly after Trevon Diggs suffered a torn ACL early in the season.
Gilmore still excels in one-on-one coverage, demonstrated by his successful containment of A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf in 2023. He concluded the season with a 73.2 coverage grade and only allowed an 83.3 passer rating when targeted. At 33 years old, Gilmore would be a valuable addition to LA’s secondary.
