Despite carrying one of the league’s most talented secondaries to training camp, the Chargers are in familiar trouble. Derwin James‘ knee issue will cost him games at the start of a season for the second straight year.
The Bolts have four All-Pros in their secondary but are missing their highest-ceiling talent for the foreseeable future. They are not interested in the All-Pro safety currently in free agency. Anthony Lynn said Monday the team is not planning to pursue Earl Thomas, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper (on Twitter).
Even without James, Los Angeles’ secondary includes Casey Hayward, Desmond King and free agency addition Chris Harris. King, a 2018 All-Pro cornerback who saw action at safety in college, has been working as a second-string safety in camp. The Bolts also have 2019 second-round pick Nasir Adderley and 2019 substitute starter Rayshawn Jenkins. They drafted Alohi Gilman in this year’s sixth round. It appears Los Angeles will stick with its in-house options to replace James.
The Ravens released Thomas earlier this month. Joining Harris on the 2010s’ All-Decade team, Thomas certainly carries top-flight ability. Even entering his age-31 season, the three-time All-Pro is one of the game’s top safeties. But he suddenly carries some baggage. Teams are clearly doing homework on the former Legion of Boom centerpiece, but as of Monday, his market has not seen much momentum.
Yeah, there’s really no need to given the sheer talent that L.A. has in the secondary. Why spend money on an expensive addition who you only really need for four games (if you even truly think that you need him-the Chargers have capable backups and versatile starters)? Would Thomas even accept a deal to be essentially a four game leader before taking a back seat? I wouldn’t expect him to.
If the Bolts have to move King to safety, Harris would likely spend more time inside. Until James recovers, this lineup allows the Chargers to keep their best three available players on the field, and moves Harris to his best position. No huge loss, unless Harris has completely lost his mojo and King flops at safety. It projects as a solid lineup until James returns.
For a team that “doesn’t have any fans,” there sure are a lot of people trying to get hypothetical players onto the Chargers every year.
They can’t even sellout a high school stadium.