The Chargers have 21 players set to be free agents on March 15th when the new league year begins. With -$20M in cap space currently, it may be difficult to re-sign all these players. That said, the Chargers will be clearing cap space to fill out their roster anyways, and they will have the ability to retain at least some of the roster. Let's take a look at the Chargers offensive internal free agents:
Offensive Tackle Trey Pipkins
(Brian Rothmuller / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Trey Pipkins had a rough three years, consistently graded as one of the worst offensive tackles in the NFL. During the draft, many thought that while he was athletic at his size with positive measurables, his competition at Sioux Falls was not adequate, and drafting him in the 3rd-Round was a reach. It started that way until Pipkins trained with offensive line guru, Duke Manyweather, during the off-season last year. He didn’t allow a sack until week-6 and only gave up 3 during the entire season. He was much more efficient, and should be offered a short new contract.
Pipkins contract value will be difficult to analyze. He was a capable starter last season who really struggled his first three seasons. As a 26-year-old who battled through injuries over the year, he should be affordable but if he tests free agency, and needy team may offer more then some expect. Panthers offered Cameron Erving a 2-year/$10M contract in 2021. The Patriots re-signed Trent Brown to a 2-year $13.0 contract at 28-years old. Pipkins annual average will likely be between $5.0M and $6.5M on a two-to-three year deal. That seems to be the going rate for borderline starters who offer swing tackle flexibility.
Wide Receiver DeAndre Carter
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DeAndre Carter was signed to be a kick returner/punt returner who offered pass catching ability in a pinch. Injuries thrust him into a starting role after Keenan Allen was lost for most of the first half of the season, and Mike Williams for most of the middle, plus Jalen Guyton tore his ACL in Week-3. Carter outplayed his 1-year/$1.1M deal with 46 receptions and 538 yards, plus three touchdowns. He looks like a capable third option for many teams but at 30 years old, he will not be breaking the bank. Jakeem Grant signed a 3-year/$10M contract and Jarvis Landry 1-year/$3.0M so a $3.0 average annual salary is about the ceiling of what he could make as a return specialist.
Wide Receiver Jalen Guyton
(Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)
Jalen Guyton was the Chargers primary speed threat over the last few years. He was not utilized almost at all last year due to a torn ACL, but he’s a young player who should be healthy for training camp. Guyton will be 26 years old with two seasons over 450 yards receiving, so there will be some market and the coaching staff does like his ability to stretch the field. Kendrick Bourne might be the best example of what Guyton could receive: 3-years/$15M. Other camparables include Tre’quan Smith 2-years/$6.0M, Braxton Barrios 2-years/$12M, Isaiah McKenzie 2-years/$4.4M. His value falls between $2.5M/year and $5M/year.
Tight End Donald Parham
(Associated Press)
Donald Parham had a opportunity to become a big part of the Chargers offense. The problem is he couldn’t get on the field with a hamstring injury. Having a 6’8” tight end with speed to stretch the field creates huge advantages for an offense, especially in the red zone. Parham will be a Restricted Free Agent, so they will likely tender him and he will be on the roster. The right of first refusal comes with a price tag of $2.6M which should be a bargain if he can have the breakout season.
Quarterbacks Chase Daniel/Easton Stick
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Chase Daniel will be 37 years old next season, and the benefit of having a player coach from the Joe Lombardi system is no longer relevant with Kellen Moore. It’s time for Daniel to retire at this point in his career, and he already taught everything Herbert needs to know from a mentor over two seasons. The bigger question mark is Easton Stick who will be affordable. Stick may want to test free agency and see if he can find a place to play because Justin Herbert isn’t headed anywhere. Stick is an exciting young player buried on a depth chart. There is more to gain by going to a system that can utilize his skill set and compete then sitting content as a backup.
Center Will Clapp
(Associated Press)
Will Clapp did not play well and he was a Joe Lombardi guy. There’s no reason to bring back a player at a veteran minimum to a new offensive scheme and does not provide you quality depth. The Clapp experiment should be over.
Offensive Tackle Storm Norton
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It was head scratching that the Chargers kept Norton on the roster when they opted for Trey Pipkins, and later, Foster Sarrell to play before him. Norton was not good at any point in his career as a Charger. He has a full season of starting experience, so there may be a market for him as a swing tackle, just else-ware in the NFL, preferably the Raiders.
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