AFC West offseason grades: Where do Chiefs rank?
San Diego was aggressive to a degree in free agency. General manager Tom Telesco has been with the team going on four years and has yet to make the postseason after getting into the AFC Divisional Playoffs in his first campaign.
Last year, the wheels came off. The Chargers had registered a 9-7 record in both 2013 and 2014 before going 4-12 in 2015. Yet, Telesco disn’t make sweeping changes in the coaching staff, retaining Mike McCoy.
So what did the Chargers do? They went out and signed speedy wide receiver Travis Benjamin to a three-year deal before inking corner Casey Heyward to the same length. Nose tackle Brandon Mebane was also signed to give the defensive line a boost, with first-round pick Joey Bosa also joining that group.
The pick of Bosa surprised many and for good reason. Bosa is a perfect fit in the 4-3 as a defensive end but will be playing out of position in the San Diego 3-4. Also, the Chargers could have selected Ronnie Stanley or Laremy Tunsil to fortify the offensive line. Instead, San Diego is banking on Joe Barksdale and King Dunlap.
Bottom line: San Diego was injury-ravaged in 2015 and added some nice players. Look for the Chargers to improve.
Grade: B-
Projected record: 7-9
Next: Oakland Raiders