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10 NFL teams who could change their fortunes via Free Agency

By Andrew Garda

Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh takes in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh takes in the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy reacts on the sidelines during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Chargers

Overview: The San Diego Chargers fell apart last season and did so in somewhat spectacular fashion. With $25,718,499 in caps space and just under $5 million in dead cap, they aren’t the richest team in the world, but they can improve their fortunes.

They should be set at receiver, but running back might be an issue (though maybe Branden Oliver is the real deal). More than anything, offensive line continues to be an issue. Pro Football Focus ranked them as the No. 29 offensive line in 2014 and that might have been generous. This is a team which needs a lot of help to rebound. Can they get it?

Pros: This is a talent rich offensive line free agency class, so the Chargers can expect to dive deep into it. Start with Mike Iupati, who would secure one of the guard positions and then ring up Rodney Hudson or Stefen Wisniewski for center. Bryan Bulaga should also get early interest for one of the tackle spots as well.

San Diego can also take a run at some defensive players as well, as they are desperate for some linebacker help and could use some more talent on the defensive line.

Cons: How much can you do with $25 million? A smart team can do a lot perhaps but it’s hard to imagine revamping the whole offensive line while adding enough impact defensive players to improve the pass rush. San Diego may need to ignore the home run swings and play small ball—get a lot of solid players at reasonable prices and then aim at some more marquee players who don’t get settled in the first round or so of free agency when prices drop.

Overall, there’s only so much they can do and every time they have thought their offensive line was set, something happens. Is that a front office problem or bad luck? If it’s the former, can things turn around this year?

Next: Atlanta Falcons

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