Los Angeles Chargers: 5 offseason needs

The Chargers made the move to Los Angeles this offseason, and now they must go about bolstering a roster full of holes.

For the first time in over 50 years, the Chargers will be playing in a city other than San Diego. That city is Los Angeles, who will now have two NFL teams heading into the 2017 season. The Chargers are ready to win right now, and with a few good moves this offseason, they could be right in the mix in the AFC West next season.

As we start to inch closer to the 2017 NFL Draft, here are five offseason moves the Chargers need to make if they want to compete in their first season in Los Angeles.

5. Prepare the roster as their stars age

It is no secret that two of the best players on the Los Angeles Chargers are starting to get up there in age. Quarterback Philip Rivers has been one of the better signal-callers in the AFC during his time with the team, and has put together a borderline Hall of Fame career. However, Rivers will turn 36 during the 2017 season, and the team has to start preparing for life after the most productive quarterback in the history of the franchise.

Not only is Rivers getting up there in age, but Antonio Gates is as well, and the Chargers need to be ready to replace his production once his playing days are over. Gates has been a Hall of Fame player since arriving in San Diego, and has put together a storied career despite not playing college football at Kent State. He has set the gold standard for tight ends during his time with the Bolts, and continues to be a productive player to this day.

The 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with talent, though these two areas are not as strong as past years. Still, there are quarterbacks in this draft that could develop down the line, and like Rivers, could sit out before taking over the reins. You are never going to be able to replace Gates’ production, but Hunter Henry showed during his rookie season that he may be able to soften the blow once Gates calls it quits.

Los Angeles cannot afford to wait to replace these two players, who have meant so much to the organization over the past 14 years. Bringing in a quality, young backup for Rivers is going to be key, and Henry needs to make sure he is learning everything he can from Gates with whatever time the two have left together. The Chargers have been a very good offensive team during the Rivers/Gates Era, and the organization cannot afford to take a step back once they are gone.