Los Angeles Chargers: Five remaining free agents that fit the roster
By Jason Reed
Brian Cushing, ILB
Bringing in an inside linebacker is more likely than an outside linebacker at this point of the offseason and the biggest name still available is veteran linebacker, Brian Cushing.
The Houston Texans cut their all-time leading tackler in February after he played just five games last season. Cushing was suspended ten games for testing positive for steroids. With his age (31) and that suspension, it made sense for the younger Texans to move on from the veteran linebacker.
However, Cushing still has a lot to offer as a great interior linebacker in the NFL and could help the Chargers’ greatly in stopping the run. Not only would Cushing be a great on-field producer for the Chargers, he also would serve as the veteran leader to a young linebacker core with is arguably the weakest area on the entire roster.
Cushing can produce even if he is thrown into a linebacker rotation, staggering playing time with either Perryman or Hayes Pullard. Two years ago, in his last full season, Cushing played 13 games and registered 65 total tackles. Three years ago, in 16 games played, Cushing made 110 combined tackles.
It is unfair to expect a 31-year-old to produce at the same level he was three years ago. However, Cushing would be a very beneficial signing, despite his age.