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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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Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) gestures at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agency Targets

Though the injuries can really be looked at as sort of a crutch for the Chargers to fall back on looking back on last season, it’s still impossible to say that they don’t have major needs on both sides of the ball heading into the 2016 offseason that they need to address. With roughly $31.7 million in cap space and potentially more than that if they make some cuts, San Diego has the chance to address many of those needs in free agency.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Chargers desperately need help on their offensive line. Due to a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness last season, the Chargers had one of the worst of offensive lines in the league. They could really look to re-tool the whole thing if they so feel, but balancing their signings on the books to make room for more will be an interesting venture. However, the big-time lineman prospects like center Alex Mack are definitely in play here.

Also on offense, it’d be near impossible for San Diego to go into the offseason not looking to reload on weapons for Philip Rivers at receiver and possibly to back up the veteran quarterback with one of the many on the market this offseason. Whether or not they’d pursue the likes of an Alshon Jeffery to put alongside Allen, though, remains to be seen.

On the defense, their secondary is going to be the chief area of concern. Even when Weddle was healthy last season, San Diego had one of the worst secondaries in the entire league. Subsequently, addressing that and figuring out if Weddle is going to be part of that is something major to watch in the 2016 offseason. Moreover, it’ll be curious to see how heavily they look to address the need on the defensive front in free agency or largely look to do so in the draft.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft Targets

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