NFL Free Agency: Three Targets for Chargers this Off-Season
By Jason Reed
Nick Mangold
The Chargers have had offensive long issues since the invention of sliced bread. I guarantee that if Phillip Rivers received the same protection that Dak Prescott does he would be a top three quarterback. Regardless, the Chargers took a step in the right direction in 2016, but may go one step back this off-season.
The Chargers recently announced the release of interior guard DJ Fluker. Fluker was the Chargers first round pick and 2013, and his absence leaves a hole in the interior of the Chargers line. The Bolts have already solidified the outside of their line with the signing of Russell Okung, signing an elite interior lineman will only solidify their efforts to improve.
The man up for the task for Los Angeles should be veteran, former Jets, center Nick Mangold. The Chargers already have a center in Matt Slauson. Slauson proved to be a formidable snapper for the Bolts, and moving him to the hole at guard would be extremely beneficial to the Chargers.
Not only are you allowing Slauson to slide over and make his primary focus blocking, you are bringing in one of the best centers the league has seen. The Chargers have a pretty young offensive line, and bringing in that veteran snapper will only help the unit thrive together.
The biggest argument against Mangold was his injuries last season. Mangold only played in eight games do to various knee and ankle injuries. However, following a release, the Chargers may be able to steal an absolute deal in a veteran snapper. If the Chargers can get a great deal on a great veteran, they should take the risk to protect Phillip Rivers.