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TGIF, everyone.
The Chargers didn’t make any signings on the second official day of free agency but they saw former safety and special teams ace Adrian Phillips reportedly sign a two-year deal with the Patriots.
Phillips will be missed and it’s unfortunate the team couldn’t bring him back on a multi-year deal, which is likely what he was searching for. He has played a critical role on this defense as its’ sub-package linebacker and even got an All-Pro nod at the special teams position for his play in 2018. He was a big reason this team went 12-4 that same year and it’s even more unfortunate that he couldn’t follow up that phenomenal year in 2019 due to a broken forearm suffered early on in the season.
Hopefully the Bolts make their final move(s) this week so we can all hunker down and dive into the film, along with finally being able to piece together what this team will likely do in this year’s draft.
Enjoy the links, stay safe, and wash them hands.
Report: Ex-Chargers’ Adrian Phillips agrees to deal with Patriots
“The Chargers lost one of their best special teamers on Tuesday in Derek Watt. Two days later, they are losing another one and arguably one of their better defensive players from the past couple of seasons.”
RB Melvin Gordon struggling to find offers
https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/19/rb-melvin-gordon-struggling-to-find-offers/
“According to NFL Media’s Mike Garofolo, Gordon hasn’t received “anything remotely close” to the offer he could have had with the Chargers last offseason, which was worth around $10 million a year.”
4 remaining free agents Chargers should consider signing
https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/19/4-free-agents-remaining-chargers/
“The Chargers have shored up the right side of the offensive line with the acquisitions of Bulaga and guard Trai Turner. However, the left side remains in a flux. Even at the guard spot, it’s uncertain how the team feels about Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp moving forward.”
Picking underrated, overrated NFL free-agent signings: Weighing deals for Philip Rivers, James Bradberry, more
“What a wild few days of NFL free agency. From Tom Brady leaving the Patriots, to stars such as DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs being traded away, the opening week of the 2020 NFL season was probably one of the most shocking in recent memory.”
2020 NFL free agency: Trade grades for every big signing and move
“If Tom Brady leaving the Patriots for Tampa Bay isn’t weird enough, get ready for Rivers in silver and blue. I wondered whether the post-Brady Patriots might try to hijack Rivers’ long-rumored move to the Colts, but the reunion between Rivers and former Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich just made too much sense for all parties involved.”
Ranking the Best Bargain Deals of Early 2020 NFL Free Agency
“Bulaga was the 15th-highest-graded offensive tackle in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. That is a massive improvement over Sam Tevi, who ranked 61st.”
Most Expensive NFL RB Contracts After Todd Gurley’s Release from Rams
“The highest-paid back remains Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys, who also held out for an extension in September 2019 and wound up with a six-year, $90 million deal with $50 million guaranteed.”
Jameis Winston watches and waits
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/19/jameis-winston-watches-and-waits/
“Most other teams know who their starting quarterback will be, or at a minimum they have candidates on the roster who’ll compete. The Chargers, who tried to get Tom Brady, could decide Winston represents an upgrade over Tyrod Taylor. The Patriots need a starter, but they’re keeping their cards close to the vest.”
California’s Stay-at-Home Order Could Affect SoFi Stadium Construction
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/sofi-stadium-california-stay-at-home-order-construction
“Hours after California governor Gavin Newsom issued a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the growing COVID-19 outbreak, it remains unclear exactly how the restrictions will affect the ongoing construction of SoFi Stadium, the future home of the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams.”
After Todd Gurley’s Release, Chargers’ Austin Ekeler Now Highest-Paid Running Back in L.A.
https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/todd-gurley-release-austin-ekeler-chargers-rams
“Less than two years later, Gurley not only has lost the Los Angeles earnings crowd, he no longer plays for the Rams. The team released Gurley on Thursday to avoid a clause that fully guaranteed $10.5 million in his contract for the 2020 season.”