Los Angeles Chargers free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

2. NaVorro Bowman

The Chargers didn’t have a true second level defender play more than Jatavis Brown’s 505 snaps in 2017. Denzel Perryman was injured much of the past two seasons. These are Los Angeles’ top two linebackers currently, but an upgrade or depth would be a welcome addition. Perryman is a throwback tough guy that is better against the interior run than he is in space or in coverage.

Brown is very active with great speed, but might not have the size to hold up snap after snap. In his prime, Bowman did all of the above about as well as any linebacker of this generation. But Bowman is now 29-years-old and could be playing for his third team in three years. But Bowman has proven that he isn’t done yet and with Perryman and Brown on board, all three might be able to operate in a situational rotation, which could be best for all three involved.

Bowman got better as last season went along in his new home, Oakland, and as he became healthier as well. Bowman finished the 2017 season playing like a steady and productive every down linebacker. He would team with Perryman and Brown to give Los Angeles an excellent situation on the second level of their defense as well as adding experience and leadership.