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Happy Tuesday, all.
Stay safe, clean, and enjoy today’s link dump.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler’s reaction to new contract is priceless
“Ekeler was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado College in 2017. From that time through the 2019 season, he made a little north of $1.5 million.”
Chargers’ biggest needs entering free agency
https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/chargers-biggest-needs-entering-free-agency/
“With that, Telesco must use that money to fulfill the roster needs to ensure that they’re in the most optimal position as they look to bounce back from a 5-11 season.”
CRABBS’ 2020 NFL MOCK DRAFT 6.0
https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/mock-draft-nfl-crabbs-6.0
“If you missed it, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed last week to trade offensive tackle Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers for offensive guard Trai Turner. That’s a big get for the Chargers’ interior line, but it also opens up a void at tackle that I’m not ready to pass off to Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott. Expect the Chargers to make a play for a veteran quarterback as they look to make a splash this season and try to kickstart their withering fan attendance.”
2020 NFL Draft: Tua Tagovailoa gets good news
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/2020-nfl-draft-tua-tagovailoa-gets-good-news/
“One of the biggest questions surrounding this year’s NFL Draft class concerns form Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He dislocated his hip in a game against Mississippi State that caused him to be hospitalized. At the NFL Combine, Tua stated that he would be cleared on March 9th.”
2020 NFL draft: Michael Pittman, Jr. scouting report
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/2020-nfl-draft-michael-pittman-jr-scouting-report/
“Pittman is a big-bodied wideout with top-notch length, bulk and physicality for the wide receiver position. He has good ball skills and is a surprisingly refined athlete for a player as big as he is. Though he’s still developing, he has the potential to outplay his draft positioning in a stacked receiver class.”
Los Angeles Chargers: 4 UCLA and USC prospects that are great fits
https://boltbeat.com/2020/03/10/los-angeles-chargers-ucla-usc-2020-nfl-draft/
“There are several lesser needs that Telesco is going to have to address, such as a third wide receiver, depth at defensive end, the secondary and a potential tight end to replace Hunter Henry. Those are just three of many directions that the team can go.”
Los Angeles Chargers: Bargain free-agent wide receivers to target
https://boltbeat.com/2020/03/10/los-angeles-chargers-free-agency-bargain-wr/
“While the Chargers may be tempted to pay up for a third receiver to fix their clear need, they were burned fairly badly last time they did so, as they just ended up cutting their underwhelming 2016 signee, Travis Benjamin. Furthermore, this free-agent class appears quite top-heavy, meaning that the Chargers would pay a hefty premium for one of its top options.”
NFL Rumors: Franchise Tag Deadline Extended Until Monday Amid CBA Talks
“The NFL has reportedly extended the deadline for teams to use their franchise tag from Thursday to Monday, March 16, amid the Players Association’s final vote on a new collective bargaining agreement.”
N.F.L. Player Accuses Union Leaders of Bad Faith C.B.A. Negotiation
“Russell Okung, an outspoken opponent of the N.F.L.’s proposed collective bargaining agreement, filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board just days before the players’ vote.”
Chargers, Ekeler agree to 4-year contract extension
https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article240970256.html
“It feels a little overwhelming, but it’s a relief,” Ekeler said during a conference call Friday. “We were going back and forth for a month. We were pretty far apart at first but once we kept getting closer it started to become a real possibility.”