Moves The Chargers Must Entertain

The San Diego Chargers are a team under construction. There is a lot of holes and areas that need to be addressed, badly. The Chargers already fired Coach Norv Turner. But that’s just the beginning of their problems. The Bolts haven’t made the playoffs since 2009 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2008. The keys players for this once powerhouse team are only getting older. It’s time to shake things up.

Dec 23, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) catches a pass during warm-ups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Land A Top Tier Wide Receiver: This offseason presents a big pool of wide receivers on the market. The Chargers should seriously consider signing one if not two of these guys:

1. Mike Wallace – Wallace has compiled 32 touchdowns in his 4 year career in Pittsburgh and is widely known as a deep threat, something San Diego does not posses. Wallace’s asking price is extremely high, but could benefit in the long run. Wallace is only 26 years old and if the playbook is opened up, he could definitely make some noise in San Diego.

2. Dwayne Bowe – Ignore Bowe’s numbers from last season. They do not reflect what he can do on the field. Bowe is unhappy in Kansas City and a change of scenery could do him some good. Plus, he would have a well established quarterback in Rivers who is more than capable of throwing him the ball. The LSU product can put up the same stats as he did back in 2010 when he could 15 scores for over 1,100 yards. Much like Wallace, Bowe is fairly young at 28. Another piece who could help in the long run.

3. Greg Jennings – Jennings has been Mr. Reliable during his tenure in Green Bay. Consistently catches 65 passes and racking up nearly 1,000 yards every season. Not counting last season, Jennings has caught 49 touchdowns in 5 seasons for the packers. However, they may be heath concerns with Jennings and he is 29 years old, but he could be a very reliable back up plan.

4. Percy Harvin – Minnesota has stated they aren’t trading Harvin, but they might have to. Harvin is starting to become a cancer to the Vikings organization. He’s stated more than once he wants out. Harvin’s character and health bring sup major red flags. Not to mention he wants “Calvin Johnson money.” For someone who hasn’t proven he can be a #1 guy yet, that’s laughable. However, Harvin brings many skills and versatility that the Chargers could seriously use.

Acquire/Sign A Defensive Back:

San Diego wasn’t so much terrible in defending the pass, but there weren’t great either. Ranking 18th in opponents passing yard per game, they could definitely improve in this area. Especially with the guys who are set to hit the open market.

1. Dashon Goldson – Goldson has been an valuable member of one of the best defenses in the NFL in San Francisco the last 2 seasons. The hard hitting safety has already stated he does not want to be Franchise tagged again. if the ‘9ers can’t make an offer he likes, San Diego could definitely consider signing the former Washington Huskie. Goldson has collected 14 interceptions in his 5 seasons in San Francisco. He won’t come cheap, but the Chargers could use to to pair up alongside Eric Weddle and make quarterbacks think twice before throwing in their area.

2. Ed Reed – Arguably the best safety in the NFL for the past 10 seasons. Baltimore’s future Hall of Famer is set to be a free agent, and many questions have risen about whether or not they will resign him or not. If the Super Bowl Champs cannot resign Reed, the Chargers should not even think twice about signing Reed. With quite the resume, Reed has amassed over 60 interceptions for his career, returning 7 of them for touchdowns. The former Hurricane is 34 years old but can bring veteran leadership, and a winning mentality that the Chargers have been missing for some time now.

Jan 5, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Charles Woodson (21) celebrates a play during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Charles Woodson – The 36 year old former Defensive Player of the Year was released by Green Bay yesterday. Yes, he is 36, but he hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down. Woodson is the only player in NFL history to have a pick-6 in 6 consecutive seasons. Woodson would bring veteran leadership as well as playoff and Super Bowl experience. Woodson may be cheap as well, knowing he is at the tail end of his career. He stated he wants to end his career with a Super Bowl contender. The question is, does he think San Diego is a Super Bowl contender or not.

4. Darrelle Revis – Widely regarded as the best cover corner in the league, the Jets have stated they are looking to move the 27 year old. Revis has been nothing short of dominant when he’s on the field. From completely taking the best receivers in the league out of games, ranging from Brandon Marshall to Randy Moss to Chad Johnson and so on and so forth. The only red flag, Revis wants to get paid. Whether the Chargers can afford him or not is yet to be questioned, but San Diego should definitely inquire about Revis.

Trade Philip Rivers 

December 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

I know, I know, why trade Rivers? He’s thrown 35 interceptions the last two seasons, the 3rd most behind Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick. His temper has seemed to get the best of him more than it should. He’s 31. The Chargers aren’t exactly in place in to be Super Bowl contenders. If San Diego wants to go into rebuilding mode, they should start with Rivers. He has a playoff record of 3-4 and has thrown 8 touchdowns with 9 interceptions. Not exactly what you want from your franchise quarterback. I’m not saying they should go all out and get rid of Rivers, but it’s worth considering. The Chargers window may be closing, and closing quick.