Five Players the San Diego Chargers Should Consider Signing

This is the week where NFL teams start trimming the fat from their rosters. Teams have up until tomorrow to get their rosters to 75 players. So within the next couple of hours do not be surprised to see some noticeable names appear on the waiver wire so teams can save money and go younger. As one of the newer members of Bolts From The Blue, I take on the daunting task of deciding which players Tom Telesco should take a look at to improve the depth of the Chargers roster.

TERRANCE KNIGHTON

Who doesn’t love a little pot roast? Let’s face it, Brandon Mebane is good, but his age and durability are a concern. The man next up on the depth chart is Ryan Carrethers. Let’s face it, after watching the second-year pro this preseason, it is easy to see that this experiment has failed. Knighton is a two-gapping, run stuffing nose tackle. His ability to eat up space and help keep linebackers clean so they can attack the ball carrier would be a valuable commodity for Pagano’s defense. Knighton has had positive grades for his ability to play the run and pass by Pro Football Focus. San Diego can no longer use practice squad players as immediate backups anymore.

KARLOS WILLIAMS

The Chargers lost Brandon Oliver to a season-ending Achilles injury this past Sunday. Oliver was the San Diego’s Swiss Army knife. He was able to run, catch, and pass block. Last year Karlos Williams filled in for an injured LeSean McCoy admirably. He rushed for 517 yards on 93 attempts and scored 7 touchdowns. He has shown he is able to catch the ball out of the backfield as he caught 11 passes on 14 targets for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns. Telesco will most likely shy away from Williams due to the fact that he is facing a 4 game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Williams also didn’t do himself any favors by showing up to camp severely overweight.

ROY HELU

Karlos Williams most likely won’t fit the type of running back the Chargers are looking for. San Diego is looking for a running back that is smart, and capable of coming in to give Woodhead and Gordon a breather. Roy Helu would be an ideal fit, as he has shown flashes as a rusher and receiver. He is still only 27 years old and would come cheap. Picture Donald Brown, but better.

PAUL KRUGER

Stop if you heard this before, the Chargers have trouble getting to the quarterback. It has been an age old problem under the Pagano regime. San Diego should have more sacks this year but don’t let that fool you. Their secondary is improved and will cause more coverage sacks than they have had in the past. Outside of an inconsistent Melvin Ingram, the Chargers are thin at outside linebacker. Kruger is a solid role player. He is a capable pass rusher that would be a nice fit in pass rushing situations. In 2015, Pro Football Focus gave Kruger a 78.3 grade as he recorded 43 pressures, something the San Diego defense desperately needs.

MARK SANCHEZ

Okay, hear me out before you scroll down to the bottom and insult me, my family, and my football intelligence. Sanchez will be forever known for the infamous butt fumble. And yes, he is turnover prone. However, when he isn’t turning the ball over he is able to move the offense. Sanchez will be an immediate upgrade over Kellen Clemens. And coming from a division rival wouldn’t hurt either. Rumors have it he will be cut by tomorrow’s deadline. This one was a toss-up between offensive tackle Will Beatty, and Sanchez. The only reason why Will Beatty’s name isn’t here because he is more of a left tackle than a swing tackle, and Hairston has actually looked competent this preseason.

Bolts From The Blue wants to know, if you were Tom Telesco would you take a flyer on one of these veterans? Is there another player out there you want to see added to the team? Or should the Chargers stand pat and continue to try with this youth movement?