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Los Angeles Chargers News & Rumors

Chargers To Sign CB J.C. Jackson

March 14th, 2022 at 3:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

3:55pm: The Chargers will get their priority target. Jackson is signing with the Bolts, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This promises to be a monster deal for the young corner, who stands to help a Chargers defense that stumbled down the stretch. The Bolts have been aggressive entering Herbert’s third year, trading for Mack and agreeing to terms with one of the top free agents on the market.

Los Angeles authorized a five-year, $82.5MM contract for Jackson, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The ex-Patriot will see $40MM fully guaranteed, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. The Bolts did not need to give Jackson top-five corner money, it turns out. This checks in as the NFL’s sixth-highest cornerback pact. To entice Jackson, the Chargers have agreed to give him $28MM in the deal’s first year, Rapoport adds (on Twitter).

3:32pm: As expected, J.C. Jackson has received widespread interest during the legal tampering period. The Chargers are among the Pro Bowl cornerback’s suitors, and NFL.com’s Mike Giardi tweets the team has made an offer.

The Patriots made a somewhat surprising decision not to use their franchise tag on Jackson, who has intercepted an NFL-most 25 passes since coming into the league in 2018. Months after trading Stephon Gilmore, the Pats could lose another standout cover man.

Previously reported to have interest in Jackson, the Bolts can be aggressive this offseason. They entered free agency in the top five in cap space and have Justin Herbert tied to a rookie contract through at least 2022. Los Angeles has already added a splashy defender, trading for Khalil Mack last week. With Jackson hitting the open market at 26, it will likely cost close to cornerback-record money to sign him. Jalen Ramsey still tops the corner market at $20MM per year.

At corner, the Chargers have Michael Davis and 2021 second-round pick Asante Samuel Jr. as key returners. Slot man Chris Harris is a free agent.

Chargers Re-Signing K Dustin Hopkins

March 14th, 2022 at 8:14am CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers were apparently satisfied after Dustin Hopkins‘ mid-year try out last season. The Chargers have agreed to a brand new three-year extension with their kicker, according to Adam Caplan of SiriusXM (on Twitter).

The deal is worth $9MM overall with incentives that can increase his total compensation to $12MM. Meanwhile, he’s already got upwards of $4.6MM locked in and guaranteed.

Washington released Hopkins six games into the 2021 campaign, leading him to the Bolts. He went on to nail 18-of-20 field goal tries in Los Angeles and 3o out of 32 XP attempts. It’s worth noting that his only two missed FGs came from 50+ yards away. Between the Commanders and the Chargers, Hopkins went 30-of-34 last year.

The Chargers have had something of a revolving door at the position over the last five years. Now, they hope to have some stability with Hopkins, who will look to improve on his career 84.6% rate.

Contract Details: Williams, Kirksey, Conley, Landry

March 12th, 2022 at 8:48pm CST by Ely Allen

Rounding up a few contract details from recent deals:

  • Mike Williams, WR (Chargers): Three-year, $60MM. The contract has $40MM guaranteed, including a $21MM signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. The third year of the contract, worth $17MM in not guaranteed for the 2024 season, when Williams will be due a $3MM roster bonus on the third day of the league year.
  • Christian Kirksey, LB (Texans): Two-year, $10MM. The contract has a base value of $8MM with a $2MM signing bonus being part of the contract’s $4MM guaranteed amount, according to Wilson. Kirksey will earn approximately $58,823 per game as an active bonus for up to $1MM per year. The contract also holds annual incentives of $250,000 for each year of the contract.
  • Chris Conley, WR (Texans): One-year, $2MM. The contract has a base salary of $1.5MM, $500,000 of which is guaranteed, along with a $250,000 signing bonus, according to Wilson. Conley’s contract also has a per game active bonus clause that can earn him up to $250,000 for the year as well as a $500,000 incentive that can be triggered off his 2022 catch and playing time totals.
  • Harold Landry, OLB (Titans): Five-year, $87.5MM. The contract has a guaranteed amount of $52.5MM, composed of a $19MM signing bonus and the contract’s first three years of salary: $1.25MM for 2022, $15MM for 2023, and $17.25MM for 2024, according to Wilson. The 2024 amount is guaranteed for injury at signing, meaning that it won’t become guaranteed until the 5th day of the 2023 league year.

RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/11/22

March 11th, 2022 at 5:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

The deadline for teams to extend tender offers to their restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents looms next week. We’ll keep tabs on the latest here:

RFAs

Tendered:

ERFAs

Tendered:

Non-tendered:

Bears, Chargers Finalizing Khalil Mack Trade

March 10th, 2022 at 3:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

After four seasons in Chicago, Khalil Mack is headed back to California. The Bears and Chargers are nearing a trade for the All-Pro edge defender, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The sides have nearly completed this deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

The Chargers are set to send the Bears second- and sixth-round picks, Rapoport tweets, for the eight-year veteran. The Bears will receive the Chargers’ 2022 second-round pick and their 2023 sixth. This will reunite Mack and Brandon Staley, who coached the Bears’ outside linebackers from 2017-18.

No contract adjustment is coming, per Rapoport, who adds the Chargers will take on the remaining three years and $63.9MM on Mack’s pact (Twitter link). That contract will be more manageable for the Chargers, with no guarantees remaining on the deal.

Mack is coming off an abbreviated season, but the former Raiders top-five pick and NFL Defensive Player of the Year is still regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the game. Mack is set to team with Joey Bosa in Los Angeles. The Chargers rank in the top five in the NFL for cap space, giving them an easier path to absorbing Mack’s contract compared to most teams.

While this is a major move, it comes a year after the Raiders discussed reacquiring Mack from the Bears before the 2021 free agency period. Chicago passed but saw Mack go down with a foot injury midway through last season. Mack underwent surgery and missed nine games. Prior to last season, however, the three-time All-Pro had never missed more than two games in a season.

The 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, Mack went to Chicago in 2018 for a monster haul. Chicago sent Oakland a package headlined by two first-round picks. The Bears gave Mack a then-defender-record $23.5MM-per-year contract. Three seasons remain on that deal. Mack is set to earn $12.1MM in base salary next season. The Bolts, however, now boast the most expensive pass-rushing duo in NFL history. They signed Bosa to a $27MM-AAV extension last year. This move likely will send previous Bosa sidekick Uchenna Nwosu elsewhere; Nwosu is set to hit free agency next week. This is a luxury many teams could not afford, but the Bolts have Justin Herbert tied to a rookie deal until at least 2023.

Mack, 31, played a major role in lifting the Bears to the 2018 NFC North title. He collected his third All-Pro honor that year. The Buffalo alum will head to Los Angeles with four double-digit sack seasons and six Pro Bowls on his resume. This represents another move for one of the highest-profile divisions in recent memory. The Broncos sent the Seahawks two firsts for Russell Wilson this week, giving them a much better shot to contend in the AFC West. The Bolts now have a top-tier edge tandem to throw at Wilson, Patrick Mahomes and Derek Carr.

The Bears still have Robert Quinn, who broke Richard Dent‘s franchise single-season sack record last season, under contract for 2022. But losing Mack is certainly a significant development for the franchise, which recently hired a new coach and GM. This move will douse the Bears in dead money as well, saving them only $6MM in cap space. Chicago will incur a $24MM dead-money charge, part of that coming because the team restructured Mack’s deal in 2019 and in 2021.

Chargers, Mike Williams Agree On New Deal

March 8th, 2022 at 1:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

One of the top remaining franchise tag candidates has signed an big-money contract. The Chargers have inked Mike Williams to a three-year, $60MM deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). $40MM of the total is fully guaranteed. 

The Chargers had made it clear they were willing to tag Williams, though a long-term deal was always the preference. The 27-year-old played out last season on the fifth-year option, which earned him $15.7MM. Given his play during the campaign, it became clear a significant raise would be coming.

Williams posted 76 catches and 1,147 yards – both career highs. He also registered nine touchdowns, the second-highest total of his NFL tenure. Alongside Keenan Allen, he played a major role in the Chargers ranking second in the league in passing yards, while finishing top-five in scoring. This deal means that both Williams and Allen will next become free agents in 2025.

The $20MM per-year average is almost exactly what the franchise tag ($19.1MM) would’ve cost the Chargers in 2022 anyway, though Schefter notes that the first year of the deal includes $28MM. Unlike so many other teams, cap space was hardly an issue for Los Angeles; they entered the day with more than $56MM to work with for the upcoming season. This deal obviously takes a large bite out of that, but the medium-term pact should provide solid value for the team.

The main pieces to the Chargers’ passing attack will remain in place, something which is likely a necessity to compete in the AFC West. In a division already featuring Patrick Mahomes – and that just saw the arrival of Russell Wilson – points will need to be scored early and often to keep up.

Chargers To Pursue Big-Name CBs?

March 7th, 2022 at 9:59pm CST by Sam Robinson
  • With Justin Herbert tied to his rookie deal through at least 2022, the Chargers have an opportunity this offseason. They are a team to watch for a splashy cornerback addition, with Garafolo tweeting they could be in the mix for J.C. Jackson or Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots may actually be ready to let Jackson hit the market, and Rapoport notes (video link) Gilmore should be expected to test free agency after playing out his Patriots-constructed contract. The Panthers would still like to retain Gilmore, but it will be costly. Gilmore will turn 32 in September.

Broncos, Chargers, Packers Among Von Miller Suitors

March 7th, 2022 at 6:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Rams remain interested in re-signing Von Miller, but after the future Hall of Famer delivered another dominant postseason, he is interested in testing the market as a first-time free agent. A Miller market is starting to form, with a familiar suitor re-emerging.

After trading Miller at last year’s deadline, the Broncos are interested in a reunion, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes. Despite not being in Denver when the team acquired Miller and pulling the trigger on a trade last October, GM George Paton holds the 11-year veteran in high regard, Troy Renck of Denver7 notes. Miller has teased on social media he is interested in coming back to Denver, mentioning his former jersey number and Broncos locker Monday (via 9News) while tweeting, “I kinda want that old thing back.. 5280,” referencing his old stomping grounds.

Although Miller has praised the Broncos consistently since being traded, a return may be contingent on the team upgrading at quarterback. The Broncos missing on Aaron Rodgers or not making a significant improvement at the position does not install confidence they will be a Super Bowl-contending team. Miller, 33 this month, will command a lucrative deal. The Broncos also have ex-Miller edge-rushing mate Bradley Chubb due for a fifth-year option salary of $13.9MM. While the Miller trade (for 2022 second- and third-round picks) made edge rusher a key need in Denver for the first time in several years, Wilson adds this might not be the star outside linebacker’s first choice.

Miller has indicated he wants to stay with the Rams, but both Wilson and USA Today’s Josina Anderson mention the Packers as a team expected to show interest (Twitter link). Around a half-dozen teams have surfaced as Miller suitors, per Anderson. The Packers may be moving on from Za’Darius Smith soon, though they are interested in extending Preston Smith. The team also has Rashan Gary on a rookie contract. A Miller addition would give Green Bay a top-tier pass rush, though the decorated sack artist likely would be uninterested in trekking to Wisconsin if Rodgers is elsewhere. The Packers are also nearly $30MM over the cap without Davante Adams on their payroll.

The Chargers also loom as an interested party, per Wilson. Staying in Los Angeles would make matters simpler for Miller, who would team with Joey Bosa with the AFC’s L.A. team. Uchenna Nwosu is a free agent and would not cost as much as Miller. The Bolts are interested in re-upping Nwosu, with Miller a moving part in this process.

Latest On FA Pass Rushers

March 6th, 2022 at 12:02pm CST by Rory Parks

In the estimation of Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link), the quality and depth of this year’s collegiate class of pass rushers could negatively impact their professional counterparts seeking new contracts. Some of the most notable names in that latter category include the Cardinals‘ Chandler Jones and the Rams‘ Von Miller.

Rapoport believes that Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill genuinely wants to retain Jones (as we heard last month), but the franchise tag value for the four-time Pro Bowler would be roughly $25MM, so that option is not feasible for the Cards. As such, Jones will hit the open market, and given that there has been something of a strained relationship between player and team for several years, he could be playing elsewhere in 2022.

Meanwhile, Rapoport expects the Rams to do everything they can to retain Miller, who is, like Jones, prepared to test the open market. Of course, the reigning Super Bowl champs also have new contracts for Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald on their radar, so GM Les Snead will have his work cut out for him when trying to re-up his prized trade acquisition.

A less heralded (but much younger) option for clubs in need of pass rush help could be Chargers OLB Uchenna Nwosu. As Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reports, the Bolts and Nwosu have mutual interest in a new contract, but despite Nwosu’s desire to remain with his hometown team, the money will need to be right. Wilson suggests that the 25-year-old is targeting a contract with an average annual value between $10MM-$13MM, which would seem to be a fair price for an ascending player who put together a strong 2021 campaign — five sacks, eight TFL, 17 QB hits, and an interception — despite playing through a serious labrum injury.

The Colts, Packers, Bills, and Jets are all teams that could have interest in Nwosu, per Wilson. There is a good chance that Green Bay releases Za’Darius Smith, so Nwosu could serve as a Smith replacement in Wisconsin. In a separate piece, Wilson reports that the Jets, like the Chiefs, would be in on Smith should he indeed become a Packers cap casualty.

Eagles GM Howie Roseman is certainly monitoring both collegiate pass rushers as well as the free agent market. When discussing how he is prioritizing his team’s pass rush, Roseman recently said, “I’d be surprised if we didn’t do something there” (Twitter link via Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com). Zach Berman and Bo Wulf of The Athletic (subscription required) believe there is a good chance Philadelphia grabs an edge rusher with at least one of its three first-round picks, especially since they expect Roseman to let DE Derek Barnett depart in free agency.

ESPN.com’s Jordan Reid, Matt Miller, and Todd McShay provide a detailed breakdown of the strong performance put on by the 2022 draft class of front seven players at this year’s scouting combine (subscription required).

Mutual Interest For Derwin James Extension

March 5th, 2022 at 9:35pm CST by Ely Allen

Chargers’ safety Derwin James is currently set to head into the fifth year of his rookie contract, after the team exercised his fifth-year option in April of last year. According to Tyler Dragon of USA Today, there’s mutual interest in getting a long-term extension done, but negotiations will not start until the summer. 

James was a first-round draft pick for the Chargers in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Florida State prospect shot out of a cannon finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and being announced as a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler in his rookie season. His sophomore season was cut short after having surgery due to a stress fracture in his right foot. His 2020 NFL season got cut short before it even started with James suffering a torn meniscus a week before the team’s season opener. James made his long-anticipated return to the gridiron this past season, returning to form while making his second Pro Bowl team and finishing third in Comeback Player of the Year voting.

James’ numbers won’t pop out at you. Even when only looking at his two full seasons of play, his totals of 5 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, and 11.0 tackles for loss over two years won’t rank anywhere near the top of any position groups. While the Chargers list him as a safety, his role is much closer to a glorified linebacker. When healthy, James will absolutely be one of the team’s top tacklers. He has a nose for the football and can find his way to the ball-carrier effectively. And, while not elite in any of the above statistical categories, his ability to cover, force turnovers, rush the passer, and make plays behind the line of scrimmage make him a valuable asset to the Los Angeles defense. It is truly his versatility they value.

It is this same versatility that makes a contract discussion for James a troubling concept. Do they pay James like a top-tier strong safety or shell out a little extra to pay him like a top tier linebacker?

The top safeties in the game, that don’t play exclusively in a free safety role, are players like Budda Baker ($14.75MM aav), John Johnson ($11.25MM aav), and Micah Hyde ($9.63MM aav). The top linebackers in the game, that aren’t pass-rushing specialists, are players like Darius Leonard ($19.7MM aav), Bobby Wagner ($18MM aav), and C.J. Mosley ($17MM aav). So, obviously, if you were going to pay him like you play him, James’ extension numbers should be closer to the $17-20MM per year range than the $9-15MM per year range.

Luckily, there is a very similar player in the NFL who has set a precedent for James and the Chargers to work off of: Seahawks’ safety Jamal Adams. Adams doesn’t play the field like a normal safety, either. He only has four career interceptions to his name. He does tend to make more plays on the ball when it’s in the air totaling 33 passes defended over five seasons. Adams also tends to get to the quarterback and make plays in the backfield more often than James. In 2019 & 2020 alone, Adams racked up 16.0 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss, contributing to his career totals of 21.5 and 43.0 respectively.

As of right now, if the Chargers were to offer James an extension before he plays out his fifth-year option, I would expect the offer to look a bit like a watered-down-version of Adams’ deal. Upon finishing his first season in Seattle after being traded from the Jets to the Seahawks, Adams signed a four-year deal worth $70MM, averaging $17.5MM per year. Based off of Adams’ deal, I would expect Los Angeles to offer James a three- to four-year deal in the range of $12-15MM per year. James’ injury history will likely keep him from reaching the top-tier numbers of Adams.

That being said, with James lacking the statistical output in college, as well, the Chargers did draft him largely based off of his potential. With injuries keeping James from fully displaying his abilities over the past four years, maybe the Chargers will have much more faith in him than he’s been able to show thus far. They value him as a player and a leader, making him a team captain this past season. Perhaps they will offer him a long-term contract that reflects that.

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