Chargers looking to rebuild
By Matt Welch
September 10, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips (95, left), linebacker Takeo Spikes (51), and linebacker Shaun Phillips (95) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 22-14. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
With the hiring of new GM Tom Telesco and new head coach Mike McCoy, it’s no secret that the Chargers will be a different team in 2013. New schemes will be put into place, new players will be brought in, and old players will be tossed aside. Among those players are linebacker Shaun Phillips, guard Louis Vasquez and cornerback Antoine Cason.
All three of these players were producers for the Chargers last season. Phillips led the team in sacks with 9.5. He racked up 50 total tackles and forced 2 fumbles. Cason had 73 total tackles and two interceptions. Vasquez only allowed 2.5 sacks on an offensive line that allowed a total of 51 and he wasn’t flagged for any false starts.
It’s been rumored that all three of these players will soon be gone from the roster. All three players are free agents come March. Vasquez and Cason stand a chance to return but it won’t be for a contract of their liking. Vasquez will likely be asking for a $6 million a year contract and Cason will likely look for a $5 million a year contract. Neither of those contracts add up for a team looking to rebuild in the off-season through the draft or free agency.
Other players on the roster that will likely be in different uniforms next season are Takeo Spikes, Antonio Garay, Jared Gaither, Le’Ron McClain, Randy McMichael, and Eddie Royal. With these players gone, cap room isn’t a major concern for the Chargers. This will allow them to make plays after some bigger name free agents.
Here’s some free agents that the Chargers could consider:
Jake Long, OT
Brendan Albert, OT
Brent Grimes, CB
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
Mike Jenkins, CB
Dwayne Bowe, WR
Mike Wallace, WR
Chris Canty, DT
Paul Kruger, LB
La’Ron Landry, S
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB
Peyton Hillis, RB
Andy Levitre, OG
Who do you think the Chargers should part ways with and who do you think they should pursue in free agency?
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