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Los Angeles Chargers: 5 offseason needs

By Brad Weiss

Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the Houston Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium. San Diego Chargers won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes against the Houston Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium. San Diego Chargers won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) yells before the snap during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) yells before the snap during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Address the issues at linebacker

Linebacker has long been an issue for the Chargers, who have had trouble stopping the opposition for as long as I can remember. Star outside linebacker Melvin Ingram is a free agent heading into the 2017 season, and the team needs to make sure they lock him up for the foreseeable future. He is extremely important to what they do on defense, and with a new coaching regime in place, the Chargers have to make sure they have all of their leaders on the field to open next season.

If the Chargers cannot bring back Ingram, they are going to have to find a way to match his production. Aside from Ingram, the Chargers also may be saying goodbye to Manti Te’o, who is also slated to hit free agency this offseason. Te’o has not been the player the Chargers hoped he would be since a standout career at Notre Dame, but he is another one of those players who has a tremendous presence within the Chargers locker room.

There are some good options available this free agent period, including Malcolm Smith from the Oakland Raiders. He would be a great fit if the Chargers could not bring back Ingram, though he is likely to come with a big price tag. Dont’a Hightower won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots last season, and the Chargers may be able to get him at a good price for the 2017 season.

Playing in the AFC West, the Chargers know they are going to be facing good offenses each week. The Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos should all be very good in 2017, so the Chargers need to make sure they bolster their defense if they want to get out of the cellar in a very tough division. The offense is going to put up points, and it will be up to the defense to finally get some stops.