Los Angeles Chargers free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a three-yard touchdownagainst the New Orleans Saints during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 12, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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Brandon Scherff, Washington. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Brandon Scherff

Scherff heads into free agency looking to become the highest-paid offensive guard in the NFL. If the Chargers really want to keep Herbert upright more often next season, they should strongly consider meeting his demands.

The 29-year-old excels in true pass-blocking sets. Whatever he lacks as a mauling run blocker, he more than makes up for with his ability to stymy rushers at the point of attack. He would give Los Angeles a massive upgrade over what they got from either Trai Turner or Dan Feeney last season at their two guard spots.

The team’s only hesitation in chasing Scherff is whether or not he might take up too much of their precious cap space. He’s not going to sign a deal paying him anything less than $15 million per season. It’s conceivable that the Chargers might decide they’re better off spreading that money around their roster than focusing it all on one single guard.

If the franchise does decide to go all-in on one premium free agent, it’s hard to imagine a more impactful addition than Scherff. He would serve as an emphatic upgrade over one of the team’s problem areas during the 2020 campaign.

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