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2016 NFL offseason: San Diego Chargers needs

By Cody Williams

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers looks on prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 22: Eric Weddle #32 of the San Diego Chargers looks on prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Departing Free Agents

When you look at the names attached to some of the contracts that are expiring in the 2016 offseason for the Chargers, it’s more than a little bit jarring to see the two big names. Subsequently, San Diego has some major decisions to make in regards to who they should look to re-sign and who they should let walk.

Perhaps the toughest decision will be the one regarding 35-year-old tight end Antonio Gates. Essentially a Chargers legend at this point, it might be easy for the front office to make an emotional decision and try to keep him around for the rest of his career. And while he won’t demand the same money that gave him an $8.7 million cap hit last season, it’s near impossible for San Diego to re-sign him given their plethora of needs elsewhere. With Ladarius Green seemingly ready to take the job—though he’ll also need to be re-signed—it’s time to say goodbye to Gates.

Flipping to the other side of the ball, San Diego knows safety Eric Weddle is gone. The team and Weddle had a horrible relationship throughout the season, one that saw Weddle inactive for the final game at Denver.  Weddle has long been one of the best at his position in all of the NFL, but had an injury-plagued season that was also his worst year when he was on the field in the last five years. At 31 years old, he will be headed elsewhere.

Offensive tackle Joe Barksdale and defensive end Kendall Reyes are both up this offseason as well. But given the lack of skill that both players have show, it’s hard to expect them back with the Chargers. Throw in the fact that receiver Malcom Floyd is to retire and there’s definitely going to be turnover in San Diego.

Next: Where to Look in Free Agency

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